Death is crushed to death

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:“Death is swallowed up in victory.”  “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” – 1 Corinthians 15.54-55

Death is no fun. In the last few weeks I have been through the death of a loved one with a close friend. In retrospect, in a morbid sort of way, it is a fascinating process. Shortly after all this happened I heard a podcast called 'How Dying Works.' I found it an interesting study. 

But, no matter how interesting death is final. It is the end of life here on earth. Death comes at the end. 

Therefore death is the thing man tends to fear the most. What will it be like? Will it I hurt? There are stories about 'post death' experiences, but we really don't know. As one of the care givers at the nursing home said 'no one has ever sent a letter back telling us what it is like.' 

Death is the greatest unknown. Death is scary. 

But for those of us in Christ it doesn't have to be scary. Death has been crushed to death by the power of the cross. 

We may never escape the trepidation that accompanies death. We may never escape those little niggling questions. But we can rest with what I once heard a preacher call 'raw faith' that our victory over dead is assured. 

Stuart Townend and Keith Getty put is beautifully in their song 'The Power of the Cross.'

Death is crushed to death;

Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love