Isaiah 25:6-9

“And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death for ever.” vss. 7-8a

Often we think that our hope for the victory of life over death comes from our New Testament scriptures, i.e. the good news of resurrection found in the gospels and epistles. But actually we see that message of hope clearly stated in the teachings of Isaiah and hinted at in some of the psalms. What we find in Jesus’ resurrection and in the teachings of Paul are the stories that give our hope in the triumph of life substance.

The truth is that life has been a part of God’s blueprint from the beginning. Often when we look at the creation, the product of God’s handiwork, all we see is death, the ultimate end of all living things. But that’s only half the message that comes from the natural world. We could just as well look at creation and marvel at the triumph of life, and marvel that every single winter since time began has been followed by spring and glorious resurrection.

Of course that doesn’t take away the sting of death completely. We do feel sadness when it comes near. We miss the beauty of our loved one’s life and tears come quickly as we remember them. What a blessing it is to wipe our tears away and trust in the good news of resurrection! In the presence of death we choose to celebrate life!

Thought for the Day: What will my celebration of life be like?