You Don't Have To Fear Death

“Death inspires me like a dog inspires a rabbit.” This is a line from the song HeavyDirtySoul by the Grammy award-winning duo 21 Pilots (a Christian group, btw, if you didn’t know). The song is a contemplation about the shortness of life. As he gets older, he hears people tell him that you only live once. So he should just live it up. But Tyler, the lead singer, isn’t so worried about living life to the fullest now, because he can’t help but think about what comes after death. He prays, “Can you save my heavy, dirty soul... from me?”
 
As I reflect on Tyler's words, I can't help but relate. I recently hit the big 4-0. After 21, all those big milestone birthdays are both times for celebration and contemplation. I’d be lying if I said that I haven’t thought a little more about death recently. My aging body reminds me all the time. A full eight hours of sleep is dangerous; I’ll wake up with pain in places I hardly knew existed. And menial chores are a health hazard. Last winter, I injured myself so badly that I’m in physical therapy, just hoping to get most of my arm function back. How did I injure my arms? Battling a bear? Lumber jacking? Arm wrestling John Cena? Nope: Snow shoveling my driveway.
 
Time comes for us all. Almost everyone has died. Think about it: Even God died.
 
Yet, this is not the end. In Christ, we find hope in his death and resurrection. This Sunday, drawing from the Creed, we’ll focus on how Christ’s death, burial, descent, and resurrection give us hope and salvation. If you’re a believer, you don’t have to fear death; through Christ, death and hell are defeated, and your heavy dirty soul CAN be saved. As Paul says, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54a-55
 
I would love for you to join us tomorrow as we explore the most fascinating and controversial section of the Creed. I believe understanding and believing it will nurture reflection, hope, and joy in your life.