“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”
—Hebrews 2:15

Reflection

The fear of death may well be the root cause for fear in general. Death represents the ultimate loss of control in a person’s life. It is impossible for us to know what dying will be like or when we will pass away. Therefore, death is an unknown entity for all of us. Death seems so final to us. But, as many of us know, it is not final at all.

People of all ages, including children, fear death. In Hebrews 2:14–15, we read that Messiah Jesus partook of flesh and blood so that through His death He might render powerless the devil and free those who were enslaved by the fear of death. The fear of death enslaves us unless we learn to overcome it through faith in the Word of God.

I remember being terrified of death even as a young child. My fear of being poisoned and ultimately dying was an irrational fear. And I thank God that He delivered me from it when I developed a relationship with Messiah Jesus. For many people, the fear of death is so intense that they cannot even sleep at night. You may have this fear without even being aware of it. It may manifest itself instead in the form of other fears and phobias.

Beloved, the Bible encourages us here. Romans 8:15 reminds us that we have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but a spirit of adoption by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” When fear comes near us, we cry out to our Father.

Because the fear of death is the fear of the unknown, of being out of control, we must go to the One who knows everything and is able to control all. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. He knows what we feel and He knows everything about us. The Bible says there is an appointed time for everything, including a time to give birth and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2).

God told Abram to leave the land of his fathers and go to a land that He would show him. Abram obeyed even though his destination was unknown and he had plenty of reason to fear. Was there a risk involved? Yes, but it was the risk of faith. This is true even with regard to dying. We must have faith.

Many of us struggle with being certain that we will go to heaven. But 1 John 5:13 tells those who believe in the name of the Son of God that they may know they have eternal life. Jesus tells us in John 14:1–4 that He is preparing a place for us. The good news is that when we die, we will be with Jesus, enjoying the dwelling place He is preparing for us right now.

We cannot know in advance when our last day will come, but we can get ready for it by living fully for Jesus now. This is victorious Christian living.

Application

• When fear comes near you, cry out, “Abba! Father!” Trust that the One who knows everything about you is able to control all.
• Remember God’s promise of eternal life through Messiah Jesus, and choose to live fully for Him today.

Prayer

Father, fortify me with Your peace and with Your grace. Help me to fully grasp that I will live forever with You in heaven. When fear comes near, remind me that I can cry out to You as my Father. Give me faith to trust You with what I cannot know or control, and help me to live fully for Jesus now. Thank You for the peace You are giving to me. Amen.