“Thy death is my life, Thy resurrection my peace, Thy ascension my hope, Thy prayers my comfort.” - The Valley of Vision
The death of Christ is life for us. This reality is evidence of an upside-down Kingdom. A Kingdom ruled by One who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). One who emptied Himself and became obedient to the point of death (Phil 2:5-9). It is in His death that we live - dying daily to self to truly find Life (Gal 2:20, Matt 10:39).
Because death never has the final word - not in an upside-down Kingdom, not ever. There is peace in knowing though the Prince of Peace died, He has been raised, and gives peace not like the world - but gives the Peace of His presence with His people (Is 9:6, Jn 14:27, 1 Thess 4:14, Matt 28:20).
Not only did He die, not only was He raised, He has ascended to the right hand of the Father (Rom 8:34, Jn 20:17). He completed His work, accepted by God, and we can rest knowing that His righteousness is now ours (Phil 3:9, Col 3:1, Heb 10:12). Our Hope is secure anchoring our souls in heaven (Heb 6:19).
And there our Anchor rests - making intercession on our behalf before the Father (Heb 7:25). Our Savior and King, the One who in a glorified body now stands, bearing eternal scars, having been tempted and tried in every way like we have been and will be, and yet has been without sin (Heb 4:14-16). He prays for us.
Jesus, there is no life, no peace, no hope, and no comfort more secure and significant than what is ours in and through You. We are grateful people, may we live like we know these things are true. In Your name, amen.
Believing,
AB