by Steven Chan
Last Friday, the remains of 20 of the 43 Malaysian who lost their lives (total of 298 people onboard the aircraft MH17 perished when it crashed in Ukraine) were brought back to Kuala Lumpur.
We grieve with the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. It is truly sad to lose loved ones under such circumstances.
As the country mourns the loss, it is good for us to reflect on our own lives.
Death is our enemy as it brings separation from our loved ones. For the Christian, the Bible teaches the following:-
1 Cor 15:22-26: “in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”
1 Cor 15:50-58:
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed– 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
The Bible assures us that Jesus has conquered death when He was raised from the dead – never to die again as He ascended into heaven.
Jesus will give us the victory when He comes again, whereupon all will be raised from the dead – and we will be clothed with immortality (i.e. no more to die again or to separated again).
Rev 21:4: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
What a wonderful promise awaits us who put our faith and hope in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 1:3-6: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”
May we not lose sight of our hope. It gives us comfort during times of trials and sufferings.
