Sermon # 6 - No Need To Fear Death Series

We read in Jonah 1:5, Then the seamen were afraid, and each man cried to his god. (AFV)

As we continue this series on how the life of Jonah can be related to the church today, I believe that many of you are blessed through these meditations. The seamen on the ship were filled with dread when the sea grew furiously tumultuous. When they commenced on that voyage they probably did so with the hopes of having a safe and uneventful journey to their destination. However, in the middle they were struck with such a terrible storm, which they initially thought they could manage. They ventured together to somehow try and get the ship to the required harbor, but to no avail. All their efforts proved futile, and when the storm grew unmanageable with the ship almost being broken, they were at their wit’s end and were filled with alarm. They must have thought that this was the end of their lives and that they would all lose their lives at sea. This was the situation that caused their hearts to be gripped with fear. These seamen might have been strong and courageous men, but when faced with death, they too were terrorized and grew faint at heart.

There are many at present who are also battling all kinds of fears in their lives, the biggest one being the fear of death. Nonetheless, to everyone who believes in the Holy God that the bible talks about, they will have not have an inkling of fear regards death.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life

In John 11:25, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (ESV)

These are the words of Jesus to Martha, when He explained to her that He was the resurrection and the life. The assurance that Jesus gave was that when one believes in Him, though they will die physically while here on earth, they will live eternally. Therefore, anyone who believed in the Lord Jesus did not fear death.

Paul’s dilemma between life and death

Paul says this in Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Now if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor. But I do not know what I should choose. For I am hard pressed to choose between the two. I desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better…

(AFV)

If you are wondering how death can be beneficial to someone, Paul goes on to explain this in detail. Paul says that his life on earth was lived solely for the Lord, and it was his joy to serve the Lord while here on earth. However, he also knew that being with Christ away from this body would bring him far greater joy. Paul was therefore, tossed between the two desires to live on in the world or to depart and be with the Lord.

Our life on earth is purposeful if we are living it for the Lord, and fulfilling His plans for our lives. Nevertheless, the life that we will have with the Lord eternally will be far more glorious. Everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus, has no need to fear death.

Jesus embraced death to set us free from its pangs

We read in Hebrews 2:15, By embracing death Jesus sets free those who live their entire lives in bondage to the tormenting dread of death. (TPT)

The fear of death has kept many people in bondage. Especially after the recent pandemic, there is a constant fear of ill health and death that has gripped many. A few months ago people did not bother much about simple ailments, but in recent times even small health issues have become major concern to a lot of people as they fear it may result in death. Have you noticed how when all is going good, people will be fine, but when they are not well and have to visit the hospital, they are suddenly filled with fear?

Jesus came down to the earth, took on human form, experienced death and rose again the third day. The confidence Jesus gives to those who believe in Him is that He can set us free from the torment and the dread of death because He Himself triumphed over death.

The seamen on that ship feared that they would all die. As children of God we are encouraged to not be fearful of death, as Jesus overcame the sting of death by His death and resurrection. The Lord has ordained our days while here on earth, and no one can reduce it by one single day. Our days and our lives are in God’s hands. God has called us and given us a purpose, so that when we believe on Him we too can overcome the fear of death. David said this beautifully in Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; (ESV) Things have changed so much these days and there is a fear of death all around us. As believers in the Lord Jesus we must set those fears aside and believe that the risen Lord is with us.