Deliverance: Hebrews 2:14–17

This passage hit me hard today:

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

I realized something I’ve known in theory, but not always in practice — slavery to fear is real. The writer isn’t talking about a metaphorical fear that occasionally visits. This is a deep, binding reality: we can spend our whole lives letting the inevitability of death rob us of the joy of life.

I’ve done it. I’ve let that shadow creep into my thoughts — sometimes in obvious ways, sometimes in subtle ones. It shapes decisions. It whispers, “Hold back. Play safe. Protect yourself.” That’s slavery.

And last year when I turned 60- time turned up the volume on that reality for some reason- 

But the Lord was so gracious to walk me through that... and truth is a big part of it- don't be a slave... be free!

Jesus doesn’t just comfort me in my fear — He destroys the source of it.

He stepped right into my condition — flesh and blood, weakness and pain — and then went all the way to the grave. And by doing that, He took the weapon out of the enemy’s hand. Death is still real, but it has no claim of terror anymore. The sting is gone. The verdict is reversed.

When I remember this, I feel lighter. I breathe differently. Fear is not my master. I’m not bound by the dread of “non-life” — I’m free to actually live, love, risk, and serve without that storm always looming in the distance.

That’s true freedom. Not pretending death doesn’t exist, but knowing it has been defeated. And that changes everything about how I live today.

So here’s my question — if Jesus has broken our chains, why keep wearing them?

Here is a truth- if we waste time agonizing over the inevitable reality of death- aren't we wasting a precious commodity called life.

Be free-

When you play- play hard

When you work- work hard

When you pray- pray hard

Swim in the ocean of beautiful grace!

Song Link: Deliverer

Deliverer — You broke the chain of fear
The grave can’t hold me here
You stormed the night and the tyrant fell
Deliverer — You tore the veil apart
You put courage in my heart
Now I’m living like I’ll never die
Because You’re alive

I won’t bow to the shadows anymore
The cross is my freedom, the grave is no more
The war is over, the chains are gone
I’m running in the light where I belong