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Key Bible Verse: Christ died and rose again for this very purpose, so that he might be Lord of those who are alive and of those who have died (Romans 14:9). Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

The thought of death has always intimidated. Today most people buy life insurance and try not to think about it. Marxist philosopher Ernst Bloch says secularists live on a "borrowed credit card," glossing over the problem of death with "wishful dreams" based on inherited Christian views. But what ultimate meaning is there to an existence that after eight or nine decades passes into sheer nothingness?

Christians believe that death isn't a passage into nothingness but a transition into a glorious eternity. Why? Because one person, Jesus of Nazareth, has already returned from the dead. For Christians, death doesn't terrify because the tomb was empty, because the One with whom the disciples had lived appeared to them and assured them that He is alive forevermore. So we declare with Paul, "Death is swallowed up in victory."

That's why the Christian can act courageously. Our motto isn't life at any cost; death for the King's cause is no disaster. Since we await the risen Lord, we dare to face down racists, go as missionaries to danger spots, leave secure homes to join the poor in oppressive situations, and apply His call to peace and justice in our governments.

—Ronald Sider in The Gospel with Extra Salt

My Response: Am I refusing to face ultimate life-and-death issues?

Thought to Apply: The Resurrection is not only the Good News, it is the best news imaginable.—Ray Stedman

Adapted from The Gospel with Extra Salt (Judson, 2000) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Please show me, Lord, how the reality of Easter should impact my day-to-day life.

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