The Elephant in the Room

December 7th, 2022

SCRIPTURE: “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NASB)

In most social settings, when the topic of death is mentioned, folks get uncomfortable. The speaker may be accused of being maudlin, a “killjoy,” or even a “mood-buster.” While many TV commercials and other media frequently advertise for insurance companies that focus on funeral arrangements, (some of them have VERY BAD ACTORS, by the way), I have never heard anyone accuse those stations of being maudlin! It’s simply and rightfully deemed a part of life, for which everyone should prepare, both spiritually and financially.

While there is no shortage of news reports about souls living life recklessly, and their ofttimes accelerated date of demise, the Bible encourages us to have a sober mentality and deep respect for life’s transitoriness. We are, in truth, just pilgrims passing through this earth, says 1 Chronicles 29:15. In light of this stark reality, someone may comment, ‘Yeah, life’s fleeting? So WHAT?’ Well, we who have taken more than a cursory look at what the Spirit reveals in the Bible can confidently make three significant responses, in view of our temporal stay here: (1) We should purpose to make the best use of our time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16); (2) we can daily, monthly, and yearly seek to be revitalized by the truth that Jesus alone is the resurrection and the life, because those who stake their eternal destiny completely on His redemptive work on Calvary’s cross—even if they die—shall yet live (John 11:25, 26)! Thirdly, unlike those who reject Christ’s gospel, we who believe Him can rejoice that we do NOT walk through this life in spiritual darkness, being dead in trespasses and sins---Jesus PAID IT ALL! Oh, praise Him for His matchless GRACE! He has given us an understanding so that we may KNOW HIM who is true, and we are IN HIM WHO IS TRUE, IN His Son, Jesus Christ! He is the TRUE God and eternal life (1 John 5:20)! Saints need not EVER regard death as the proverbial “elephant in the room;” rather, use it as an opportunity to share the blessed hope given you by the Sin-Bearer, our exceedingly precious Lord Jesus Christ!

PRAYER: Father God, Thank You for Your awesome and incomparable sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary’s cross! We thank You that His indisputable resurrection makes those of us who trust in Him citizens of heaven. AMEN! AMEN!
By Denise Diggs