When talking about death many think of defeat. They view it as the end of life, as losing the battle. But for a Christian, it is just the opposite. Death brings victory! We pass from death unto life! Even though we may have a great fulfilling life here, with those we love and cherish, there is always a bit of pain and sorrow lurking around the corner. I believe where we are in our spiritual life determines how we approach death.
Many can’t look past the things of this world enough to embrace Heaven. We get so wrapped up in loving the life that we are given, that we forget to embrace the one who gave it. We should want to see Jesus. We ought to live our lives with Jesus on our minds night and day. I personally long for his return. I do not fear death. I realize the only reason I am still here is to live my life to influence others to serve him. Paul had the right idea when he said in Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He was so grateful and loved Jesus so much that he truly wanted to go to Heaven. However, he knew at this time his job on earth was not done.
Paul was a contemporary of Stephen, yet while Stephen was alive they were on opposite sides of the Savior. The death of Stephen had a far greater impact on those around him than he would have if he had survived the stoning. In Acts chapter 8, we see a man named Saul (Paul) who consented to Stephen’s death and gained momentum to persecute Christians. I can’t help but believe that Stephen’s reaction to his own death impacted Paul in a subconscious way. There was something different about this martyr.
Acts 7:59-60 “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Wow! How can a love like that, and an attitude like that, not affect you?
Not long after the death of Stephen, we see Jesus speaking again. This time it was to Saul of Tarsus, (Paul). When Paul was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians, he met Jesus. He was facing himself, as an enemy of Jesus Christ. He had a decision to make and he made the right choice. One of the greatest Christians of all time was the converted Saul or as we speak of him, Paul.
Stephen’s death also caused the Christians to scatter to spread the gospel. Phillip went to Samaria and many were saved. This action pushed the gospel to “the regions beyond.”
Act 8:4-5 “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”
Stephen’s death, in our way of looking at things, was a horrible crime, but for Stephen, it was a great victory. It was also a great victory for the cause of Christ.
As we see a little of how deaths have affected Christianity, we need to look at the greatest impact of all time. The death of Jesus Christ! When he said, “it is finished” there was a great victory! No victory has ever been greater. Satan thought he was securing a victory for himself. He and his demons must have been ecstatic, only to realize this was their greatest defeat. The victory was secured for “whosoever” wanted it.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Because of this death, we have victory over sin, victory over death, and victory for all eternity!
Let us live as if today would be our last. May others experience the victory over death, because of the life we have lived.
