Jesus Has Overcome Death, April 2
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Elvin McLin
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18 NIV).
Death. We hear, see, and read about it daily. We read about it in horror novels. We read about death occurring daily in mass media. Shootings. Car accidents. Recently, the coronavirus pandemic. We see death filmed graphically in Hollywood motion pictures, told through intricate storylines of incantations, gratuitous violence, and the like. Until we are faced with the likelihood of death closer to home, though, many times we don’t give death much serious thought.
Suddenly the unthinkable occurs. The announcement of cancer hits us like a ton of bricks. Now, the fear of death rises from being an afterthought to becoming a major thought. The fear of death can be amplified like a never-ending multiplication equation, rolling around in the background of your daily walk with cancer. Fear of death might be the ultimate fear of the unknown. After all, it’s not like someone has come back from the dead to tell us how that worked out…. Oh, wait a minute. There’s Jesus.
In Revelation 1:17, Jesus is speaking to the Apostle John. Jesus reassures John by gently touching him on his shoulder. Then, He utters the most beautiful words we all want to hear from Him: “Do not be afraid.” He goes on in verse 18, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Relax as you read this devotion. Turn from the negative of the day’s headlines. Can you feel Jesus’ gentle hand resting on your shoulder? Can you hear His voice telling you everything is going to be fine? He assures you, “Not only have I experienced death, but I am alive because I defeated death. I hold the keys.” Jesus not only experienced death, but He has also unlocked the door for you to have safe passage to your heavenly home to live with Him forever! Just trust Him. Believe Him.
God has given control over everything to Jesus Christ. Will you give your fear of death over to Him?
Pray: Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to take away my fear of death. Help me to turn my fears of death over to You. Amen.
Your Turn: When you have those moments of fear about death, call upon the Lord by repeating His name: “Jesus.” Go ahead and close your eyes and try it now.
Elvin K. McLin, Cancer Survivor
Elvin is the husband of Dominique. They live in Ellisville, Missouri where they share five beautiful adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Elvin is an entrepreneur who began his journey with cancer in 2019 with stage three and stage four kidney cancer. As he was healing from the first encounter with cancer, another battle with cancer reared itself in the form of prostate cancer. Elvin has been welcomed by Cancer Companions to become a member of the Board of Directors.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
