Today we’ll look at Hebrews 2: 14-18:

¹⁴ Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that he did not come to help angels but the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

One of the things I love about Jesus is that He came to destroy the things that destroy us.  Ultimately, He came to destroy death.  Through the cross and the empty grave, sin is atoned for, and death is destroyed. 

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8b).  Today, we read that came to free us from the slavery of the fear of death.  Death is that great horror that hangs over all of life.  It is natural within us; none of us like death and none of us want to die. There’s that old gospel song, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die.”  That’s exactly right. 

Hebrews tells us today that we don’t have to be afraid of death, for it is not the end.  We are no longer held captive by its power, nor are we held captive by its fear.  He came to help us, to set us free, and to release us from that fear. 

We see in the end of that passage; He was tested as we are tested so that He can help those who are tested.  We do not have to be afraid.  We do not have to fear.  We are not alone.  He is with us. Death is defeated, and He walks with us in our suffering.  

Our greatest fear is death.  But we see today we do not have to fear that. Death has been defeated. Death has been destroyed. Do not be afraid.  Do not be captive to fear. Do not allow fear to rule your heart.  Do not allow fear to rule your mind. Do not give fear a place that it does not deserve. 

Fear of death has been defeated. We are slaves to do it no more.  We live now. Through Jesus, we live forever. Do not be afraid. Death is defeated.  We live.  Now. And forever.  

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