Death and Life

Monday - January 31st

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 2:1-10

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As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Ephesians 2:1-2

Sadly, each of our kids said their goodbyes to our dog, Betsy. She had been a part of our family for nearly eight years. Betsy had made the big move with us from West Virginia to California in the early fall of 2008. Now, she was very sick and had no life left in her. She had a lot of problems, and things seemed pretty hopeless. So, before they headed for school, I had the kids say goodbye as I planned to take her to the veterinarian and have her put to sleep.

Before you judge me for being a bit quick in making this decision, you should know a vet had warned me a year or two earlier that Betsy might only live a couple of years more. So, knowing what the vet had said and the painful problems the poor dog had, Lesli and I concluded it was time.

Betsy and I were not in the examining room long before the veterinarian came in. She really liked Betsy, and that made the dog perk up. After the check-up, the vet told me Betsy just needed some meds, and her current problems would end. I explored how long the vet thought Betsy would live. She said it could be three or four years. So I got the meds and took Betsy home. The kids were a bit confused when they got home from school and found Betsy still there.

Actually, a year later, it looked grim again for Betsy. I had the kids say goodbye one more time. This time, a different vet found Betsy perky and suggested a simple procedure that cost very little. Once again, Betsy came home to the surprise and joy of my wife and kids.

Finally, we did have to put Betsy to sleep a few years later - within the same timeframe predicted by the first vet. It was tough. And, once more, the kids had to say goodbye. Their hearts really weren't in it this time.

We may struggle humanly to see the distinction between life and death as a dog gets up in years, but God sees a clear distinction between spiritual death and life in us as human beings. Through the Apostle Paul, the Lord clarifies that we are all spiritually dead in our sin. We are all sinners by the curse placed on Adam and Eve. Ephesians 1:1-2 even suggests we prove that reality as we live imperfect lives marred by sin. "You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live...."

Thankfully, God did not leave us in our sin and guilt. Instead, he sent Jesus to make us alive in His resurrection life through faith in Him. We may have struggled to determine life or death in Betsy, but God says we are all dead without Christ as our Savior. If you have never turned to Christ as your personal Savior, the curse of death still hovers over you. But God offers you life in His Son!

Thank God for the life He has given you in Jesus. Thank Him for not leaving you trapped in spiritual death!