Not even death can limit God from showing His power and might. Right from the fall of Adam when God reduced man's lifespan, death has been believed to be the final bus stop for man, at least here on earth. But even that does not and can not stop God.
There are various instances in the Bible where the seemingly impossible situation of death, was turned around by God. In 1 Kings 17:17-21, the son of the widow who fed Elijah in the time of famine, took ill suddenly and died. Elijah carried the boy into his room and he cried out to the Lord asking Him to restore life to the boy. Verse 22 says “And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.”
Next, let’s take a look at 2 Kings 4:18-34. The Shunnamite woman who regularly entertained Prophet Elisha suddenly lost her son to the jaws of death. She carried her son’s body to Elisha and when Elisha prayed and laid upon the boy twice, verse 35b said, “and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.”
2 Kings 13:21 is an interesting account. A dead man who was about to be buried was thrown on the bones of Elisha. Immediately his body touched the bones of Elisha, life was restored to him.
Let us journey to the New Testament. In Mark 5:21-34, Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus' daughter who was sick at the time. But in verse 35, He was told not to bother with the girl anymore because she had died. When Jesus arrived at the house, He told the people who were already mourning that the girl was merely asleep. He followed this up by taking her hand in verse 41 and telling her to rise. Verse 42a says, “And straightway the damsel arose, and walked.” In Luke 7:11-15, Jesus intercepted a burial procession. A widow was going to bury her only son but Jesus encountered her. He told her son to arise. Verse 15 says, “And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak...”
John 11 contains the popular story of Lazarus. What distinguishes this from others is that not only was Lazarus dead, his body had already started decomposing and yet, God could not be stopped. Not only was he brought back to life, the process of decomposition was instantly reversed and he was made whole.
Moving on to the Acts of the Apostles after Jesus had ascended into Heaven. Acts 9:36-42 tells the story of a certain disciple called Tabitha (Dorcas) who was known for her good deeds. She fell sick and died. The apostle Peter was sent for and he knelt down and prayed for her after which he spoke to the body and said “arise” and she opened her eyes and sat up, life restored.
In Acts 20:7-12, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep and fell down from a third floor window. Death was instantaneous. The apostle Paul was unperturbed. He fell on him and hugged him then got up to eat and preach. After Paul left, it was recorded that the young man was alive.
Matthew 28:1-18, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-36 and John 20:1-20, all give the glorious account of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His resurrection greatly displayed the power of God Almighty. There was no need for anyone to pray for Him to be resurrected, there was no laying of hands or fasting. Christ died like He said and He arose on the third day like He said. Death couldn’t withstand Him of course. The grave couldn’t hold Him in. No principality or power could stop Him from coming back to life.
Interestingly, Matthew 28:50-53 recorded that at the point Christ gave up His spirit on the cross, the tombs were opened and many of the saints who had died came back to life. They came out of their tombs and went into the holy city.
Personally, I have also experienced this wondrous power of God. A patient of mine who was certified dead and already wrapped up for burial, had life restored to him by God when I touched him. The man who was supposed to be buried is now alive, healthy and a happy family man. What a great God!
Going a step further from life here on earth, the more wondrous fact is that Christ's death brought eternal life to humanity. For by Adam we were all dead in sin. By Adam, mortality was the end for us but through Christ we were made alive. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, to come as the final and ultimate sacrifice that by His blood, man would be fully reconciled to God. That the breach that was created by Adam would be closed permanently. That man would be reversed from his downward spiral to death. Whosoever believeth in Christ will not perish but have eternal life. We who were once dead can now have life.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV “For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (Emphasis added). For all who have accepted Christ as their Lord and who diligently serve Him, death on earth isn’t something to be feared because it is but a means to an end. Eternal life, glory, great reward, joy, crowns, and so much more that we are yet to know, beyond our imaginations. Those whose names are found written in the Book of Life will be called unto eternal life.
For those who refuse to accept Christ, death on earth should be feared, not because it is an end in itself but because it will usher them into a much worse fate. None should even contemplate this.
I enjoin each and everyone to make the decision to live today. If you want to be among those who will not perish but live eternally with Christ, there is only one way. Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life...” The way to Heaven is Jesus Christ. If you want to enjoy life eternal, choose Christ because He is life.
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