Psalm 49:15

Death has been described as the great leveller. It brings everyone – rich or poor, male or female, black or white – down. And it does not discriminate among them.

Therefore people fear death, for they feel themselves powerless against it. The Christian also understands that death is an enemy which deprives us of the goodness of life.

But the Christian also knows (or should know) that death has been defeated. When the Son of God bowed to its grip, it seemed all hope was lost. Then he conquered it by rising from the grave on the third day. Once and for all, the age-old reign of death was broken. And everyone who trusts in Christ will experience a similar triumph.

Thus Paul could rejoice:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
(1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Every believer can rejoice with the Psalmist that ‘God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol’ (Psalm 49:15). For we know that even though we die, we shall live again – because of the resurrection.