Friday, August 9, 2024

As someone who grew up in the church, the idea of death has always been present, but honestly, my more youthful years ignorantly kept my demise at bay. It wasn’t until 2001 when I was impacted by two deaths that I finally understood death is an ultimate reality that doesn’t discriminate. My mother died after suffering for 14 years from multiple sclerosis, and then the singer Aaliyah, who was my age, tragically passed away at 22 years old. I was suddenly reminded of my own expiration date.

It was time to think about life beyond the grave, so I returned to those church lessons and openly shared my thoughts on God, even to friends who didn’t believe. Because of my mother’s strong faith, I found comfort imagining her walking alongside other Christ-followers in a pain-free promised land. Some people ignored me, while others questioned how I could believe in something I could not know was real. Those questions are valid, and God graciously offers logical answers to many of them. Yet, even when we seemingly have all the answers, faith still requires an element of trust

John 11:25-26a
²⁵ Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. ²⁶ Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”

If death is an ultimate reality, then so is life. The One with the power to create the unimaginable can continue life beyond this place. Why dwell on the past and limit yourself to thinking darkness is all that remains when you close your earthly eyes for good?

You see death differently depending on how you live your life. Those who don’t follow Christ have nothing to hope for when they take their last breath, and it’s sad to ponder what could have been. Someone rooted in faith sees the possibility of a better afterlife—they know death has the potential to either be a reckoning or an awakening, and they live their lives differently because of that knowledge.

We all have to believe in something—why not explore the hope Christ offers?

Questions:
What do you believe in? Have you thought about what comes next?

Next Steps:
Ask followers and non-followers of Christ what they think about eternity. Then, invite them to check out part two of The End series with you.

Don’t be afraid to reevaluate your life. Take a few minutes to praise and worship Jesus by listening to “Thank You” by Maverick City Music, and be reminded by the lyrics that he lost his breath dying to save you.

Prayer:
Father God, I am thankful for the gift of life. Each day reminds me that you aren’t done with me yet. Please help me use my gifts purposely and protect me from the stress of this world. May I never forget you lost your breath dying to save me. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 3:14
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.