Real Life

As Obadiah was walking along, he saw Elijah coming toward him. Obadiah recognized him at once and fell to the ground before him. "Is it really you, my lord Elijah?" he asked. (I Kings 1:7, NLT)

We went to view the body of Tim’s friend at a funeral home. Before entering the funeral home, we discussed what would be viewed . . . a body without life. The life in his body was gone, but remained alive through Christ.

That said, life was viewed. Family and friends gathered on coaches and in different places in the building. I took a moment to experience the sounds and sights of life . . . crying . . . soft talking . . . laughing . . . hugging . . . encouraging . . . all because of the life of one young man. Death is not easy to comprehend or process; however, being free of fearing death is one of the most liberating experiences.

Looking at death is difficult; however, our faith changes when we understand that real life is revealed through Christ. In other words, God has communicated with us about life through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, who is “God with us.” This is heavy stuff . . . but this concept changes how we live and approach death when we take the time to process it. We will face death . . . either with peace or anxiety. The way I see it, how we approach death says a lot about our life.

Study Elijah in the book of I Kings. The prophet lived on the edge of life, willingly putting himself at risk, in order to do the work of God. Elijah came into the territory run by evil rulers, who wanted him to die. Obadiah could not believe Elijah would come to a place that was so clearly dangerous. Even so, Elijah put himself at risk because life had more value living with faith in God rather than in fear of circumstances and people. How is that possible?

It seems to me that individuals who do not fear death are the ones that have a deep faith in God. They understand that God’s love is never limited or cut off by anyone or anything, including death.

The Apostle Paul wrote about life, keeping resurrection at the center. In Colossians he wrote:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (3:1-4).

The precept Apostle Paul writes about is to focus on God as well as to realize real life will only be found in Christ. God has revealed the real life plan for each one of us through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Focus your thoughts on God.
Take faith risks.
Refuse fear.
Live real life in Christ.

Learning with you to live real life,
Shalom,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)