Devotion 4: Thanatophobia

Thanatophobia. If I were a betting man, I would bet that this is a fear with which a majority of the world struggles. This fear is the fear of death. At the time of writing this devotional, noon, it is estimated that there have already been a total of almost 80,000 deaths in the world today. We have all experienced the effects of death in some capacity. Whether it be the loss of a family member, friend, co-worker, teacher, or maybe a favorite public figure, we have all suffered because of death. However, thanatophobia is a fear that can be overcome.  

In Genesis chapter 3, we have what is often referred to as “The Fall.” This was the time in our history when Adam and Eve were overcome by temptation and sinned against God. From that moment, sin entered the perfect world that God had created. As a penalty for this sin, death also entered into our world. As God’s Word and our history have unfolded over the course of thousands of years, life and death have been a constant. As new life enters our world, life also leaves it. Fast forward to the night when angels rejoiced and shepherds traveled to worship a King; God gave us a Savior who would pay the penalty for a fear which has plagued this world since it became corrupt. As we read through the Gospels, we see our Savior Jesus conquering over death. He came with a purpose and a plan, which was fulfilled at the cross and in the tomb that was emptied three days later.  

Death is very real, and if I am honest with all of you, it has been a fear that I struggled with at a time in my life. Yet, when I take a step back and remember the Savior who conquered death for me before I was even born, I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” As I finish writing today, the death count has now risen to an estimated 82,000. Yes, death is very real, and yes, it is scary. However, as followers of Christ, death should not give us fear but a sense of urgency. It is an urgency to proclaim the Gospel and to make sure that we do everything within our power to share the message and love of our amazing Savior who conquered the fear that plagues so many in our world today. So, when you have those times of fear, take a step back and proclaim those words boldly as Paul did, for we have already won the war, and we will spend eternity with our Savior! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”