DEATH IS A LIAR
07th Apr 2021
When our son Craig was 19, he applied to join “Operation Raleigh” founded by Col. Blashford-Snell to give young people adventure and an opportunity to engage in humanitarian work in inaccessible parts of the world. Craig was assigned to the far North of Queensland amongst aboriginal communities, building a school, mapping a river and other demanding tasks.
During the training time he met Col. Blashford-Snell, himself an intrepid soldier and imposing man. At the time Craig was wearing a cross, know in Sweden as the resurrection cross, where the man who hung on the cross has been cut out leaving an empty space (see picture). Craig was asked, “Why is the cross you are wearing empty?” and his answer was, “Jesus is not on the cross anymore He is alive.” Then ensued an interesting conversation about celebrating the resurrection and what it means that Jesus is alive.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Easter message began with the statement, “Death is the greatest and most devastating liar.” He went on to explain how because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, death is not the end of life but the transition into the resurrection life that we will live for eternity, and is able to be received by believing that Jesus died in my place, took the punishment for my sins, rose establishing that His atoning sacrifice has been accepted, and that all who have faith in Him have the assurance of living forever. And more, they have the indestructible connection to Father God, not depending on behaviour, but the free gift purchased in Calvary.
As Christians we face death with the certainty of life. On Easter Sunday a friend’s mother passed into eternity, and today a family funeral will take place. Death is a subject often avoided, but it is a reality and the Christian message is that Jesus died our death so that we can live His life. So although there is a very real sadness of loss and separation, there is also the celebration of knowing the truth of the declaration of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:56,57 in the Message, “Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?”
by Joyce Sibthorpe
