For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
I once went to the Church of Holy Death. Have you heard of it? The Church of Holy Death—or “Santa Muerte”—is growing in popularity in Mexico. In Puebla, Mexico, there is an entire street devoted to Holy Death. One afternoon, I visited the Church of Holy Death. I even talked to the “pastor” there.
I’ve never forgotten what he told me. I asked, “Why is there a Church of Holy Death?” He said, “People worship the most powerful things in the world. What is more powerful than death?”
There’s truth to what he said, isn’t there? Death is powerful. So very powerful. You can take your vitamins and exercise daily, but you’re still going to die. You can have good genes and long life in your family tree, but you’re still going to die. You can wear your seatbelt and take every safety precaution, but you’re still going to die. Death looms over every one of us. It terrifies us. If you’re going to worship the most powerful things in the world, what is more powerful than death?
Christ! Christ is more powerful than death. Do you believe that? I hope you do. The apostle Paul did. As he sat in chains for preaching about Jesus, death was on Paul’s mind. He knew that death could come at any time. He knew that on his own, he had no power over death. But he still wasn’t worried. Instead, he wrote some of the most shocking words in the world, “To die is gain.”
What? Who says that? To die is gain? It seems like to die is the end. To die is to lose. “Gain? Paul, what you are talking about?” Christ! Paul knew that Jesus rose from the dead. Paul knew Jesus’ promise that whoever believes in him will rise to live too. Paul knew Jesus’ promise that he has prepared rooms for us in his Father’s home in heaven. Paul knew Jesus’ promise of eternal life. When you have faith in Jesus, “to die is gain.”
Can you see why? Which is better: Earth or heaven? Heaven! Which is better: To live for 80 years or to live forever? Forever! Sure, death seems powerful, but it is nothing compared to Christ. Jesus gives Christians the confidence to say, “To die is gain!”
Dear Jesus, thoughts of death fill us with fear. Remind us how you died and rose to save us. Fix our eyes on the eternal life you’ve won for us. Strengthen us to live and die with confidence in you. Amen.
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