WHO HATH ABOLISHED DEATH

 EVENING DEVOTION

OCTOBER 26

 

2 Timothy 1:10

…who hath abolished death,

 
Death is our foe.
 
It is an implacable enemy.
 
It has slain millions.
 
It has robbed kingdoms of their deliverers, 

  churches of their ornaments, 

    families of their supports, and 

      individuals of their beloved connection.
 
It is powerful, irresistible

—cruel

—insatiable

—the king of terrors.
 
It is a foe that might full us with fear, and keep us in constant alarm; 

  but we have a friend.
 
A friend who is infinitely great, and comparably good.
 
He knew us thoroughly

  —loved us infinitely

  —pitied us tenderly

  —engaged for us heartily

  —came to deliver us cheerfully

  —suffered for us indescribably

  —and conquered our foe completely.

 
He abolished death. 

That is, he changed it nature, it is now quiet sleep; 

  he changed its office it is not a n executioner, but a waiting servant; 

  he changed it work, it is now only to take down the prison, 

and let the prisoner escape; 

  he changed its end, it was truly fearful, it is now divinely glorious.

 
He deprived it of its authority and sting.
 
This he did by fulfilling the law; 

  satisfying the claims of justice; 

    spoiling the principalities and powers, wresting the keys from the destroyer’s hand; 

      and sending us the good news of complete salvation.
 

Did we but trust our heavenly Friend,

And on his faithful word depend,

Then should we fearless view the grave,

And death itself no sting would have.

 
James Smith