The Sting of Death

“Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? Death, where are your thorns? Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion will be hidden from My sight.” – Hosea 13:14 NASB

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ earthly ministry, the prophet Hosea realized that all people live in the shadow of death. Because it is inevitable and final, death creates a sense of hopelessness. Its impact has a “sting” no one can escape. Through prophecy, Hosea foretold that a time would come when death would be defeated, and its sting would disappear.

Paul quoted Hosea when he wrote, “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56).

We can still be plagued by this sting. We feel its impact through sin whenever we say or do the wrong thing or think wrong thoughts. Our lives can be pricked just like a bee sting. We experience this sting through disease, pain, anger, aging, fear, and worry. Words we wish we hadn’t spoken sting, as do words others have spoken to or about us.

But as Paul wrote, Jesus changed everything. God has given us the victory through Jesus. He came to free us from this sting. We become free by believing in Him, thanking Him for dying for our sins, looking forward to eternal life with Him, and trusting Him as our Savior and Lord.

You can celebrate! Jesus died for you, and He rose again. Through Him, you are free from the sting of death. Through Him, you can live in victory.

Reflection Question: How are you celebrating Jesus’ resurrection all year long?