Bible Passage: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:27; Revelation 21:4
“Stonewall” Jackson was a southern Confederate general during the American Civil War. Actually named Thomas, he earned his infamous nickname during the First Battle of Bull Run, when, during a furious moment in the fighting when his troops were fearfully retreating, he remained firmly still amidst the bullets and cannonballs flying and exploding around him, rallying his men.
“Look! There stands Jackson like a stone wall!” one of his fellow generals cried, and his bravery and poise amidst the chaos indeed rallied his men to rush back into the fray, winning the battle. The nickname stuck.
A devout Christian, Jackson later said, “My religious beliefs teach me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time of my death. I do not concern myself with that, but to be always ready whenever it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and all men would be equally brave.”
What man wouldn’t want to live like this!
Jackson was touching on the ideas in today’s passage: since Jesus has been raised from the dead, we too are strengthened to break free from our fear of death. Since death has been defeated, and Heaven is our home, and as Jackson notes, the hour of our death is already determined (Matthew 6:27), then (in theory) this should strengthen and free a man from any fear of death altogether.
Easier said than done!
While our flesh may still grapple with a man’s natural fear of death, the Christ-following man knows that he doesn’t need to remain there. That is a great promise of the resurrection:
Because He lives, death is not the end. Because He lives forever, we too will live forever.
In this view, death is nothing more than the passageway to eternity with Him; we will close our eyes in this world one day and open them with Jesus, in the place where there is no more pain, tears, or death (Revelation 21:4).
Men need to constantly reflect on this truth, especially whenever any anxiety over death rears its head.
The same strength that raised Jesus to eternal life will raise us to that very same eternal life. This is the truth that we rest in.
Prayer: Lord, my faith stands strong on what Jesus has done for me in His death and resurrection. When fear attempts to grab hold, remind me of Your truth, and fill me with trust in You and hope for the world to come. Amen.
Reflection: Take some time to sit quietly with the Lord. What do you think Heaven will be like? Let yourself dwell on those thoughts, and write down anything that comes to mind.
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