Acts 2:24 – But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Agony of Death
Death is often agony. When illness slowly drains the life from a loved one, it’s agony.
When an accident suddenly snatches away a child, it’s agony.
When violence ends a life unjustly, it’s agony.
Death was not part of God’s original perfect creation. It slithered into the world through human rebellion against God’s loving authority. Ever since, death has held humanity in its icy grip of pain, grief and fear. Its skeletal shadow stalks every life.
Christ’s Agony
Jesus was no stranger to the agony of death. He wept at Lazarus’ tomb. He cried out when his friend died. He knew the stinging sorrow of loss and grief.
Jesus’ own death was infinitely more agonizing. As he hung dying on the cross, the sins of all humanity were laid upon his innocent shoulders.
The beloved Son endured the Father’s wrath for our transgressions. Though innocent, he suffered shame, abandonment and assault from evil powers.
The Savior’s anguished cry reveals the torment of carrying our sins to death itself.
Freedom from Death
But the grave could not keep Jesus! On the third day, God’s power raised him back to life. The bands of death were shattered forever by Christ’s resurrection victory.
He rose again to live eternally, the first-fruits of new resurrection life for all who trust in him.
For those who believe, Jesus’ resurrection completely transforms death’s agony into hope. His resurrection proves that death does not have the final word.
At the last day, those who follow Jesus will also rise again, raised to eternal life with glorified bodies.
United with Christ, we need no longer fear death or the agony of the grave!
Living Resurrection Hope
The promise of Jesus’ resurrection floods our lives with living hope. As we walk each day with our risen Lord, his overcoming life flows through us by the Holy Spirit.
No circumstance or suffering can ultimately defeat us, because his resurrection life carries us through.
May the reality of Christ’s resurrection free you from the agony and fear of death. Jesus is alive forevermore!
Fix your hope fully on his grace and victory. He will raise you to life eternal on the day he returns.
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