“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, NIV)
In golf we can be affected emotionally in so many ways—happy when we make a putt, angry when we hit the ball OB, jumping for joy when we make a long putt or ace the hole, sadness when we lose our match by one shot.
I played team play golf this year for my club and while I know this game does not define me, I still want to win. I always try to be nice to my opponent since I am the regional director for Links Players and I want to connect with my opponents and possibly share with them about Jesus, but the human side of me can take over in the heat of a match! I say inside, I want to beat these guys, I have to play better, I can’t lose. There are times when I am down in the match and not feeling too friendly; it is like another person inside me.
I always call golf a crazy game. Unfortunately, that means it’s a lot like life.
Today’s scripture, however, helps me put things in perspective, because life can throw us all kinds of circumstances to set off a range of emotions (we don’t have to be on the golf course!). One such time is when a loved one or friend passes away. It’s hard even when we know the person is going to heaven.
John’s revelation explains that when we get to heaven, there will be no more death, crying, or pain. I like that promise! Yes, we want to hang onto life here on earth to enjoy our family and friends, but I love that the Bible gives us this wonderful hope for when our days here come to an end.
There is Good News because of Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross for us, then overcoming death by rising from death to life! We too can overcome death if we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Here’s another passage that puts death in perspective for me.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-56, NLT)
We should never fear death if we believe in Jesus Christ. As Lord and Savior, he can walk us through the door of death and out the other side in victory.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I would you encourage to seek him and pray that Jesus would reveal himself to you. Find out more here
—
Dereck Wong
February 11, 2015
Copyright 2015 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.