“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14).
Do not fear the first death, for we shall all pass from death to life. Even the Lord did not exempt Himself when He died on the cross. But do fear the second death. Although death, as we know it, shall pass away, the place of separation from God is also death. Do not focus upon the fear as this world does, but upon the hope that because You are in Christ, you will be with Him forever.
Lord, I do not understand all these things, but I do know that the first death is before me. My life here is short, but You have written eternity into my heart. Keep before me the question, “What kind of person am I becoming?” Lead me on the narrow way to follow the path You have determined so that I may grow in this life as I prepare to go through the little death, a strange but necessary contrast; but please put my heart at peace.
Lord Jesus, You have promised to give us Your Holy Spirit and the peace that surpasses all understanding. There are so many things I do not know, but I do know that You have given me hope in Your promises. Guide me this day to live as You would have me live and help me to focus on walking this path toward the life You give. Lift me up so that I may never go down into the pit prepared for the second death. Amen.
