Where, O death, Is Your Victory? Where, O Death Is Your Sting?

We all are going to die. (Wow! That statement surely motivates you huh?) An undeniable fact about the future of every person, no escaping is- death. "Sometimes death is sudden. Sometimes it's long and drawn out. Occasionally, it is beautiful, sweet, and peaceful. At other times it is wrenching and hideous, bloody and ugly. There are times, from our viewpoint, it comes too early. On other occasions, it seems the cold fingers of death linger too long as some dear soul endures pain and sadness, loneliness and senility. But however, it comes... it comes to us all. There is no escape." (Charles Swindoll, David: A Man of Passion & Destiny)

If possible, I don't want to attend any funeral ceremonies. I don't like the sad, anguish, and sorrowful atmosphere. During my grandfather's funeral, I could not avoid the sense of the feelings present in the room. We have lost a man who was so special in our lives. When I saw his face for a final glance, all the memories suddenly rush to my left and right sides of the brain. At one point I couldn't take the fact that he's gone forever. Years have passed by, yet other familiar faces take turns to fill the empty space of the already made coffins... families and friends.

The right question to ask now is not 'when' for no one knows about it and as for sure- everyone will die, but 'Where to go after we die?'

Jesus' death and resurrection bring hope for us. The power of God that resides in our lives today is the same power that enables us to live for eternity. L. Morris puts it, 'Death is but a gateway to further life and fellowship with God." Jesus' power is in us and it will continue to carry us through the darkest hour, for nothing can ever separate us from God's mighty love. Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He said to Martha,

'I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.' (John 11:25-26a) 

His words continue to make us alive today. He is qualified to say those words because He lives a sinless life and brutally honest in telling the Truth. Even now, He is alive forevermore. His last question is;

'Do you believe this?' (John 11:26b)