Our Daily Bread: A New Life Easter EditionSample

You Can Beat It

The radio ad for an upcoming seminar sounded intriguing. The announcer said, “You can beat death—for good! Attend my seminar and I’ll show you how.” I wondered for a few moments what the speaker would claim could beat death and what his suggestions might be. Perhaps something about diet or exercise or freezing our bodies? After listening a little longer, though, I realized he had said, “You can beat debt—for good.”

The most wonderful news is that we can beat death because Jesus paid our debt! (1 Corinthians 15:55–57). Our debt of sin meant separation from God, but Jesus willingly gave up His life and was crucified on a cross to pay what we owed. As Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb on the third day to anoint His body, an angel told them: “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen” (Matthew 28:6). With great joy they ran to bring His disciples the word. On their way, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” (v. 9 NKJV). Jesus had risen, and His followers had reason for rejoicing. Jesus has removed the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55). Now we too have victory by believing in the Son of God’s death and resurrection for us. Through Jesus’ perfect work, we can beat death—for good! —Anne Cetas

We owed a debt we couldn’t pay; Jesus paid a debt He didn’t owe.