Next in our ‘Saviour’ devotional series, Lorna Wilkinson brings us to a letter synonymous with Winston Churchill and World War 2, but which has a meaning for all ages - ‘V’ for Victory ✌🏻🎖.
‘“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ 1st Corinthians 15:55-57 📖👑.
During the past two years, it has been impossible to escape the fact that the subject of death has dominated news and media. Near and far, there are countless sad hearts mourning the loss of loved ones.
Unfortunately, death visits all our families at some point in our lives. The passing of those we love causes deep sadness and pain. In the midst of bereavement, the Christian finds comfort in the knowledge that we sorrow but not without hope.
The Easter story is one of betrayal, denial, false accusations and a cruel death on a Roman cross. Happily, however, the story did not end there! Christ’s death was supernatural; the creator of life gave up His life so that we could live forever. He rose up from the grave, victorious over death 🌅☝🏻.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23. If you are in Christ - saved by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus alone - you already possess eternal life. That is news that certainly merits a victory celebration! 💐🙌🏻.
Alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin
Lost without hope with no place to begin
Your love made a way to let mercy come in
When death was arrested and my life began
Ash was redeemed only beauty remains
My orphan heart was given a name
My mourning grew quiet my feet rose to dance
When death was arrested and my life began
Refrain
Oh, Your grace so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It's your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Released from my chains I'm a prisoner no more
My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore
He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend
When death was arrested and my life began
(Refrain)
Our Saviour displayed on a criminal's cross
Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost
But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand
That's when death was arrested and my life began
(Refrain)
Oh, we're free, free
Forever we're free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed
Yes, we're free, free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began.
Extract from ‘Death Was Arrested’, by North Point Worship