DEVOTION – DAY 369

Isaiah 25:7-8 “Death Is Defeated”

Isaiah 25:7-8 “On this mountain, he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the people’s disgrace from all the earth.”

What is the one thing that many people fear most? The answer is death. People are fearful of dying because they will no longer see their loved ones. People are fearful because they do not know what will happen to them when they die. In fact, some who are superstitious do not even want to talk about death for fear that it may bring about the early arrival of death in their lives, or that of their friends.

In Isaiah 25:7-8, the prophet predicted that one day, the Lord will deal with death once and for all. In v7, death is referred to as a shroud that enfolds all peoples, a sheet that covers all nations. In ancient times, dead people were covered with a shroud, or a sheet. The mourners would often wear veils to hide their grief and sadness. But Isaiah said that death would be swallowed up forever by the Lord. As death will no longer await everyone, the Lord would wipe the people’s tears. They would no longer be enslaved to death. This promise of conquering death matches the promise found in Revelation 21:4 where God would wipe every tear from the people’s eyes for there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying or pain. This promise is made possible because Jesus Christ has conquered death by dying on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind. All who call upon Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and repent of their sins, when they die, they will pass from death instantly into eternity to be with Jesus Christ forever. There will be no more death, mourning, pain and suffering.

We know two people who died unexpectedly. One was travelling to work along a highway. His car had an accident and he died from serious injuries. He was in his twenties. He was an active member in his church. At his funeral, many chose to celebrate his life and took comfort in the fact that he is home in heaven with the Lord Jesus. In the other case, parents admitted their daughter to hospital for observations because of a minor problem. The next day, the medical staff found her dead in her room. The family was devastated and in deep grief and pain over their sudden loss. Since they were all unbelievers, the sudden death seemed senseless and they were unable to deal with their grief. They were fearful for the uncertain fate of their daughter. It was hard to comfort them.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we are thankful for the fact that the Lord Jesus had conquered death and sin on the cross. Thank you for your gift of salvation offered freely to all who would believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. We pray that many will accept your gift of salvation so that they need not fear death or judgment for their sins. We ask this in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Why do many people fear death? What kind of superstitions and fears do people have about death or funerals? Discuss.
  2. How do you view death? Do you fear death? Discuss.
  3. How does knowing that Jesus had conquered death and sin on the cross help you face death one day? Share.
  4. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Share.