Death reigned as an undefeated champion over human history. He cast his dark and inevitable shadow over every passing day of every human life.
Death was a champion that had no need to rush; he was more than willing to wait his time. When people became powerful or wealthy, Death did not mind. When people felt like they would live for ever, Death simply smiled. Like a stealthy predator crouching in the grass, he knew that all he had to do was wait. Every tick of the clock whispered the same reality—time will pass and then Death will come. That is just what it means to be human in a world under God’s curse. Death reigned.
Of course, Death had his limits; he could not touch the eternal Son of God who dwelt in immortality, but there was plenty of other work to get on with. Then, in an act of breathtaking sacrifice, God became man and entered this cursed world, placing himself in the firing line.
Death could hardly believe what he was seeing—what an opportunity to do some real damage. From the moment Jesus drew his first breath as a baby, Death was stalking him. The clock was ticking. Death was the inescapable end of the line.
There were a few moments in Jesus’ life that might have caused Death a brief wobble. On three separate occasions Jesus raised dead people back to life. This was certainly more power than Death was used to dealing with, but surely these were just blips. Jesus might have postponed Death for a few years but each of them would die again. Death remained confident and undefeated.
And then came the moment for Jesus. It was earlier than might naturally have been expected; Death came prematurely at the hands of violent men. But Death didn’t mind. Whether through violence or sickness or accident or age, Death always had the final word.
As Jesus hung on the cross gasping for air, Death was gleefully poised to gather in one more trophy. As Jesus breathed his final breath, Death stepped in to claim his prize. Like so many who had gone before, Jesus was simply the latest victim of the all-powerful reign of Death.
Tragic. A life ended too soon. So much potential. So much good that he could have achieved. Now he was gone. Consigned to the history books, never to be seen again.
But Death got a terrible shock. There was something different about this man—something Death had never experienced before. When Jesus died, a deeper power was unleashed that was shaking the very fabric of the universe. There was a rumbling of change that Death was not ready for. The once all-powerful Death was suddenly staring defeat in the face.
In a burst of glorious light, Jesus broke free from the hold of Death and emerged victorious into the stunning reality of a brand new day. That Sunday morning, the sun rose on a new beginning. That Sunday morning, the Son rose to bring about a new era.
Just as light drove back the darkness on the first day of creation, now the Light of the world drove back the darkness of Death to bring the glorious hope of a new world. Behold the conquering, death-defeating High King of heaven.
Ever since that day, the power of Death has been broken. Death still stalks; he still seeks out victims. We still stand at gravesides and weep. We still experience the frustration of bodies that are declining and frail. We still live with the shadow of Death hanging over us and one day each of us will face Death. But because of Jesus, everything has changed.
Death is a defeated enemy. Death has lost his sting. Anyone who is united with Jesus will share in his great victory. Death will not be able to keep hold of us, and we will rise to the life that is far beyond the clutches of sorrow and pain.
Jesus has walked that road already—he has fought that battle and won. Death can bring us pain but he is no longer powerful. Take heart and hold on.
Jesus is wonderful because he has defeated death completely and opened the door to life.
Where do you feel the shadow of death? How does the resurrection of Easter Sunday morning give you hope today?
Excerpt from More of Jesus: 50 Truths to Turn Your Heart to Praise by Jonty Allcock, pastor at The Globe Church in central London. He is married to Linda and loves being a dad to three sons. He is also the author of Impossible Commands.
