Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Yep, I don’t have to fear dying. And for the most part, I don’t.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’s name.
My hope is not a fleeting desire for something in the future, but it’s hope in the more archaic, biblical sense of the word: a firm confidence or assurance of joyous everlasting life. My hope gives me no fear of death, and it’s a rock-solid assurance because it doesn’t rest on my own feeling, even my own best feelings (or sweetest frame), which can be fickler than sunshine during a Vancouver winter, but on Christ’s perfect, historical work. The foundation on which the firm assurance of my joyous future is built is Jesus’ blood (his sin-bearing death in my place) and his righteousness (his perfect record of obedience counted as my own).
Today I’m thankful for that. Christ’s work, and all the good things that come with it, including deliverance from the fear of death, is the centerpiece—wouldn’t you say?—of God’s good gifts to us.
Other thankful folk
I just came in from walking my dog Piper (after John) in the forest perserves near my home. I treasure that time with my buddy and with God. There is something to be said for walking your dog under God’s beautiful sky! I am so thankful to Him.