Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—

and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15, NIV

When I was younger I loved to play any type of sport. Sometimes when playing one of these games I would get the feeling that I just couldn't lose. It was a rare feeling indeed, but those of you who have experienced it will understand. It was the feeling that you could not miss a shot, that you could not fail to reach base, or that you just couldn't fail in whatever you attempted, so it was best that no one would be foolish enough to try and stop you for they would just be wasting their time. You were going to win and that was that!

It's a heady feeling to know that you cannot lose, and it provides a sense of confidence that allows you to perform at levels that you might not have previously believed were possible. It's true that we still had to play the game by the rules, but with that fact going without saying we felt like we were invincible. There is nothing quite like that feeling when it comes. It is a moment to be savored and embraced.

What would it be like if we were not afraid of dying?

Now I'm not talking about having a careless attitude towards this precious life that God has given us, and I am certainly not talking about having an arrogant attitude that somehow nothing can touch us because of who we are. I am simply talking about relying on the powerful promise that God has given all of His children through Christ. For as the verse above clearly reveals, one of the reasons that Christ died was so that he could take away Satan's hold over us, and thereby freeing us from the fear of death.

Would such an understanding help you get through the difficult times in your life? It is true that all have sinned and that all deserve death, but it is also true that God sent His Son to take our place. Of course we are unworthy of such a gift, but it is nevertheless a gift that we have been given. Once we understand the magnitude of this gift, I believe that we will accept God's terms, for we all hopefully know that we still have to go by the rules of the master if we want to win the prize.

And once we understand and accept God's way, we simply cannot lose. It is an understanding that is worth pursuing and, once obtained by the grace of God, one that is to be savored and embraced. It is a rare state, indeed, but one that is absolutely attainable for those who are willing to live for the Father and the Son.

What would it be like if you were not afraid of dying?