Death That Opens Into Life
What looks like the end is only the beginning, for in Jesus every loss opens into resurrection life.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks points us again to the surpassing greatness of Jesus, showing how all else fades in comparison with knowing Him. Paul’s words in Philippians 3 reveal a heart longing not for comfort, reputation, or achievement, but for a deeper sharing in Jesus’ death and resurrection. What the world counts as loss, Paul counted as gain, for he discovered that with every measure of participation in Christ’s death came a corresponding experience of His resurrection life.
This is not a mournful journey. Paul does not speak of conformity to the death of Jesus with tears or hesitation. Instead, his tone is one of triumph, a victor’s shout. He recognized that death to self and to earthly gains was no true loss at all, for these things are temporary and uncertain at best. What he received instead was eternal life, the fullness of God’s own power, and the destiny of reigning with the Lord Himself.
Sparks helps us see that our life in Christ is always “death unto life, loss unto gain.” The Lord removes only what cannot last, to replace it with what cannot be taken away. That is why Paul’s pursuit of Jesus, even at the cost of earthly honors, was filled with joy. He was after something far greater: the living knowledge of Jesus Himself and the power of His resurrection.
This is the invitation for us today as well. The Spirit brings us into deeper experiences of Jesus’ death, not to strip us, but to fill us. Each surrender leads to newness. Each letting go opens the door to eternal gain. In union with Jesus, loss is never the final word. The last word is always life.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, do not look upon surrender as loss. When you yield what is passing, you discover more of the eternal. To share in the death of My Son is to share in His resurrection life. You are not called into emptiness, but into fullness. You are not destined for defeat, but for victory.
When Paul spoke of knowing the power of the resurrection, he was not reaching for an idea but for an experience. That same power that raised Jesus from the grave is at work in you. Each time you release what belongs to the old order, you step further into the life that belongs to the new creation.
I have seated you with Him in heavenly places. You are already joined to His triumph. When the world tells you loss is final, remember that in Jesus it is always gain. When the enemy whispers that death is the end, know that resurrection is already your reality. You are alive in Him, and nothing can separate you from His life.
Scripture References: Philippians 3:10-11, Romans 6:4-5, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 4:10-11, Colossians 3:1-4, Ephesians 2:4-7, John 11:25-26, 1 Peter 1:3-5, Romans 8:11, Revelation 3:21.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of pruning a plant. At first glance, the cutting looks destructive. Branches fall away, and the plant appears smaller. Yet soon new shoots burst forth, stronger and more fruitful than before. The loss was only temporary, and the gain far outweighed what was cut away.
In the same way, when something in my life is surrendered to the Lord, I can say with trust, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment, knowing that any loss is only the doorway to Your resurrection life.” Whether it is reputation, possessions, or pride, what I yield is of passing value, but what He gives in return is eternal.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that in union with Jesus, every loss becomes gain and every surrender becomes an entry into Your life. I rejoice that conformity to His death is never the end, but always the beginning of resurrection power at work in me. I rest in the truth that You have already seated me with Him in the heavenly places. Today, I walk in the confidence that nothing surrendered to You is wasted, for You always exchange it for what is eternal.