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NASB | Hosea 13:14 Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? O Death, where are your thorns? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion will be hidden from My sight. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hosea 13:14 Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead)? Shall I redeem them from death? O death, where are your thorns? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from My eyes [because of their failure to repent]. [1 Cor 15:55] |
Subject: The Sting of Death: Victory by the Cross |
Bible Note: At this time of year I think of this verse found in Hosea 13:14 and in 1Cor. 15:55: "O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? In 1965 I was standing beside the grave of my mother, a snowy day and a day which I thought my heart would break. Standing with me were my two sisters and two brothers, the youngest 8 years of age. The preacher read these words. "O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory?" I was standing beside the fresh turned earth and my mother's body would soon be lowered. My mind could not take in the message of hope as I thought within myself, there is a terrible sting to death and the grave has claimed my mother. Darkness surrounded my soul, I felt like someone who had no hope. My mother was only 47. God saved her by his grace when she was 36. However, I never thought that we would lose her so soon. Why? is the question which went through my soul. There was comfort knowing she was with the Lord she loved, but what about us? I know I was somewhat selfish and yet as I looked upon the family I wondered "Why so much sorrow?" Dear friends, the eternal issues which we debate are real. They are not some intellectual debate which in the end finishes with futility. Jesus Christ is real and he does save sinners that they may be with him forever. There is no greater news than that of the gospel: that Christ died, was buried and rose again for our sins. I praise his precious name today. Please forgive me for my personal story. Robert |