Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV

As our letter progresses, we find that the writer begins to clarify the supremacy of God’s Son. First, that he was made a little lower than the Angels to set us free from the slavery of death. No matter our age, social standing, or gender, each of us will eventually face death. To understand this dynamic is to share in the human experience that our writer tells us Christ himself has faced. But the Lord did not face death because of his humanity, he faced death to liberate all of humanity. The purpose for the son being made lower than Angels is that he has set you and me free from the snare of death. That does not mean we won’t face death; it means that death has lost its sting. Let me illustrate by sharing a story I found while searching for a sermon illustration.

A little boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon. Suddenly out of nowhere, a bumblebee flew in the car window. Since the little boy was deathly allergic to bee stings, he became petrified. His father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. But as soon as he let it go, the young son became frantic once again as it buzzed by the little boy.

The father sensed his son’s terror. Once again, he reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to this hand. There, stuck in his skin was the stinger of the bee. “You see this?” he asked. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.” The Christian does not need to be afraid of death because Christ has taken the sting out of death and sin. Source: Illustrations Unlimited, James s. Hewett

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV

Much like the young man in our story, you and I should not be enslaved to the fear of death. The consequences have been removed through the sacrifice of our Lord on the Cross.

Until we can allow this truth to penetrate our hearts, the effects can be encumbering. The fear of death seems to overarch and pervade every other fear we have. It would not be an understatement to say that all fear has some sense of loss attached to it. That simply means that there is something we hold at an emotional level behind everything we fear. Whether it is a relationship, a material object, a career, or a reputation we cling to these tangibles in our minds. At the same time, the Lord is asking us to give our lives to him not because he doesn’t regard our happiness or wants to remove these things. It is because he knows that each of these is temporary and will produce a certain amount of fear unless we hold them in proper perspective. When Jesus asks us to give our lives so that we may gain eternal life, he is asking us to hold all things with eternity in view. Probably one of the most significant things we dislike losing is relationships. It could be because it takes so much effort and time to have good relationships that they hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

In 2020, I lost both of my parents within sixty days of each other. While this was a very hard season for me, I know that because of our shared belief in Christ, I will see them again one day. Still, it is an adjustment as I hold onto the truth that we will reunite and realize that I cannot dial their number for a casual conversation. This situation I have described is a very natural and common occurrence for us as human beings. We lose relations, perhaps not through death but through other circumstances such as geography, change of routines, or simply losing contact. The process of letting go is not an easy one but having a fear of these changes can cripple us from living well. It is good to remember that the Lord wants us to be free from fear and has made provision for the losses we incur.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. II Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV

The cross of Christ has not only allowed us access to the Father but has also made way for the Holy Spirit to reside in our hearts. This is one of the great mysteries of redemption and is perhaps the greatest treasure for navigating life on planet earth. No longer do we have to use human reasoning to make our choices, our plans, or survive our losses. The Holy Spirit is with us to provide instruction and comfort when needed. In the gospel of John notice that Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter. He is not just consoling us when there are changes and loss, he is the embodiment of comfort. This means that there is someone with you to take those emotions and allow you to move ahead. The Spirit of God is always bringing us to a greater level of freedom. This does not mean that we are completely removed from the feelings of loss, but it does mean that we are free from the fear of loss. The Lord wants you and I to live a life that is free from the bondage of fear and redemption comes with this guarantee. When we are free from fear it affects every part of our daily routine. No longer do we have self-protection as a mask in our relationships. Selfish ambition does not factor into our choices, nor does it influence us to get ahead of everyone else. And certainly, we do the best we can with our health and finances, but these things don’t clutter our minds with anxiety. God’s best life is a life that is free from the bondage of fear. Life is well lived in every area and allows us to be gracious in any circumstance.

If I could suggest, begin to ask the Lord to reveal parts of your mind that are captive by fear. Ask for understanding and a path to freedom from bondage. After all, it is part of our inheritance in Christ. I will wrap up today’s lesson with one thought. What kind of person would you be if fear was not an influence? Take the time to meditate on this thought and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your heart to freedom.

Father, you have provided everything I need to live a life that is free from fear. Please expose my heart and show me these places that have held me captive. I know that others live in the same bondage as myself and I ask that you allow me to help them on their journey to freedom; Amen