OUR LORD JESUS ON THE CROSS BRUISED THE SERPENT'S HEAD. By death He destroyed him that had the power of death, the devil. Death is our ancient foe, an implacable enemy. It has slain unnumbered millions. It has robbed kingdoms of their princes, churches of their pastors, families of their fathers, children of their mothers, and individuals of their most beloved. It is invincible, irresistible, cruel, insatiable - the King of Terrors - before whom all mortals fall victim. It is a foe that might fill us with fear, and keep us in constant dread, but for a Friend who appeared, a Friend infinitely great, and incomparably good. He came to us with infinite love, and pitied us with unspeakable compassion. He forsook heaven's glory for earth's misery, suffered for us the death of the cross, and there conquered death with a crushing victory. By His death He destroyed him that had the power of death. For the Christian death holds no more dread. It is now welcome sleep, no more "King of Terrors," but a glorious doorway and exit out of a world of misery into God's paradise of peace, all because of Calvary. "Thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

For Meditation:
Did we but trust our heav'nly Friend,
And on His faithful word depend,
Then should we fearless view the grave,
And death itself no sting would have.