The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

DEATH

The psalmist mentioned here an enemy of humankind: death (Ps 116:3), though he referred to it here as “precious” — an overwhelmingly positive term. According to Paul, death came to humanity because of sin: in Adam all die (Ro 5:12). While the scientific advances of the last century — even the last ten years — preserve and extend life in amazing ways, no one evades death forever.

Psalm 110 speaks of Jesus reigning until all his enemies become a footstool for his feet (v. 1). Building upon that truth, Paul wrote, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1Co 15:26). Paul went on to argue in that letter that the resurrection of Jesus makes possible the resurrection of his followers: “Since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1Co 15:21 – 22). Only through the work of Christ can his followers taunt death: “Where, O death, is your sting?” (1Co 15:55). Though no one evades death, it need not have the final word.

Jesus, I am so grateful that, thanks to you, I don’t have to fear death. Thank you for destroying death and for giving me eternal life. Amen.