Learn how to die

Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. In the same manner Christ also was offered in sacrifice once to take away the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are waiting for him. (verses 27,28)

Read Hebrews 9:15-28

Jesus died. His death broke the hold of death in your life. It freed you from a life of slavery to sin and guilt. His death frees you to live. It makes everything in your life worthwhile, for while you are living you are in preparation for his return.

In the book Tuesdays with Morrie, Morrie, the main character in the book, talks about how you can’t know how to live until you learn how to die, and how you need to live each day as if it were your last day on earth. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews encourages a similar approach. You will die, but in the meantime, as you await Jesus’ return, live your life to the fullest. Live in the love of God, knowing that death can no longer hold you but is simply a door to eternal life.

Teach me, Lord, to live my life in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.

by Tom Peitsch, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)

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