When we think of how quickly death can come, and that some will spend eternity in hell, any of us might be paralyzed by a fear of death.
But, Hebrews 2:14-15 reads, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives are held in slavery by their fear of death.”
By sharing in our humanity, Christ was able to represent us and to make atonement for our sins so that we need not be enslaved to the fear of death.
As a pastor, I have seen many believers graciously face death because they knew Christ. I remember one occasion where a lady from our church knew that her husband was dying. After over 40 years of marriage, she understood that she and her husband were facing their last hours together on this side. But, neither of them were held in slavery by their fear of death. This brave lady held her husband’s hand and sang, Precious Lord Take My Hand, even as he crossed over into eternity.
Words & music by Thomas A. Dorsey
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, Lord I’m worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Christ shared our humanity so that by his death, he might destroy him who holds the power of death.
