Is the death the final end for us? How we answer that question shapes what we give our lives to.

1 Peter 3:13-18

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

In September 2016 I attended the memorial service for Mrs Betty Black who was born in 1929, just two years after Jim Elliot. Betty and her husband Keith served in effective gospel ministry for many, many years in southern Sudan, Chad and Nigeria and then in Australia. On the other hand, Jim Elliot was in his late 20s, not yet 30, when he was killed by Waodani tribesmen before he could explain the good news of Jesus to them. Others later did and they believed in Jesus.

Whether God gives us a long and productive gospel ministry like Keith and Betty, or a short one like Jim, we are convinced that death is not the end. We are convinced because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Peter says in verse 18, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. We are convinced Jesus’ death brings forgiveness and reconciliation to God. We are convinced the resurrection of Jesus shows his promise of life for us beyond death is real.

Thus Jim Elliot speaks for all followers of Jesus in his words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Head: Do I believe in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Heart: How do I feel about Jim’s words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose”?

Hands: What good can I do today for someone else, expecting nothing in return?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, for your forgiveness in Jesus and the promise of life beyond death. I give you thanks for the lives of your servants, who gave and give their lives away in following Jesus. I pray that Jim’s words will be the words of my heart, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

A song to listen to: Grace Awaiting Me

Phil Strong

This Grow Daily was originally posted as part of the Must See Passages series in 2016. During the School Holidays we take the opportunity to look back at the best of Grow Dailys over the years.