Living Water by Jake Hennessy

One of the most notable aspects about surfing is its uncertainty. A surfer has no idea whether the next wave will be the best wave of their life or the worst. With this in mind, a surfer must prepare for these uncertain scenarios. As many can attest to, I spend a lot of time (probably too much time) before every session trying to decipher which board I want to ride on any given day or which wetsuit I want to wear. The reason I do this is because I want to make the most out of my session by coming prepared for whatever the ocean has to offer. So, although I have no idea how many waves I’ll catch or when I’ll catch them, there are things I can do to become ready for these uncertainties. 

The only true certainty in surfing is that the waves will come. I have no idea when or where they will come, but they will come. In a similar sense, the only certainty in life is that every person will face death. The Bible says that death comes to all (2 Sam. 14:14) and that nobody knows what even tomorrow will bring (Jam. 4:14). Just like the waves, we have no idea when this will occur. The greatest question which everyone must answer then is- how will they prepare for this certainty? 

The greatest way a person can prepare for the reality of death according to scripture is to give their life to Jesus. Jesus shed his blood on the cross and was buried so that we might never have to feel the sting of death. Jesus was then resurrected so that we too can chant “death where is your sting, grave where is your victory” (1 Cor. 15). 

The only way a person can attain victory over sin and grave is not by their own good works, but through faith in Jesus alone. Jesus lived a perfect life and out of a deep love for sinners, He gave his life so that we might have life in Him abundantly. This is an incredible message which I’ll never fully be able to comprehend. In Jesus, death is swallowed up in victory! 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23 

““O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:55-57