By John Miller serving in Johannesburg, South Africa
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15
Death is a terrible enemy. Two of the first things we noticed after arriving in South Africa were the widespread fear of death and evil spirits, and the prominence of funerals. Tragically, death is very present in townships, whether from road accidents, gun crime or lack of quality healthcare.
How wonderful to know a God who became fully human to set people free both from Satan’s power and from the oppressive fear of death. How extraordinary that the God who made us should become like us, in the weakness of flesh and blood, in order to redeem us.
Christmas reminds us that Jesus Christ became human and plunged down into death to take the punishment we deserve and remove Satan’s accusing power. Of course, believers still die – but Christ has removed death’s terror. Death cannot separate us from God’s love but rather brings us into the presence of our Saviour. Christ transforms death for the believer from losing everything to gaining life in Christ’s presence forever. Sadly, it is during times of sickness and approaching death that African Christians are most tempted, or pressured by family, to return to traditional rituals. Only the truth of Christ becoming man and dying in our place can truly liberate us and bring joyful confidence even in the face of death.
‘Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die… Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the new-born King.’ As you no doubt sing the words of this familiar carol this December, give thanks that our wonderful Saviour sets us free from our greatest enemy. And do join us in praying that students at Johannesburg Bible College (where I serve) would have such confidence in Jesus, who became man and died for us, that they would not fear death, but boldly proclaim the message of Christ that sets people free from fear of death.