The Sting Removed - 1 Cor. 15:55
The sermon emphasizes that through Jesus' sacrifice, the sting of death is removed, offering believers hope and comfort in eternal life.
Bernard Fell reflects on the innocence of children and the comfort in knowing that through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, death has lost its power over believers. Using the playful encounter of his grandson Roland with a bee as an analogy, he illustrates how even in moments of pain and fear, there is consolation in the eternal safety and peace found in Jesus, who welcomes all children to dwell forever in His presence.
Text
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
I Corinthians 15:55
Roland, darling precious grandson!
How I love to watch him play!
Pretty smiles like dancing sunbeams
Warm my heart along life's way.
Born was he, like brother Andrew,
In fair England's summer hours,
Born to love the season's beauty,
Singing birds, and springing flowers.
One June day was hot and humid,
Sparrows chirped among the trees,
Calling children to the open,
Green the carpet, cool the breeze.
Gently placed within the play-pen,
'Neath a cloudless, azure sky,
Roland played in golden sunshine
With a gentle stream nearby.
Now there came a wayward insect,
Buzzing warlike through the air,
Leaving flowery work to trespass
On the child's domain four-square.
So amid his changing pleasures,
Hugging, flinging various toys,
Roland thought the striped intruder
Could be added to those joys!
But this four-winged interloper
Welcomed not the childish glee;
She had left the realm of sweetness
To become a teasing bee!
Of the danger quite unconscious,
Roland thought the fun was grand,
Till a tiny, painful arrow
Pricked the chubby, velvet hand.
Then was nature s balmy stillness
Rent by sharp and bitter cries:
With love's balm to soothe and comfort,
Mother wiped the tearful eyes.
There emerged some consolation
Out of fear, distress, and pain:
For that naughty bee shall never
Sting another child again.
Ah, methinks how death alighted
On the children's Friend and King:
Its sharp pow'r can never hurt them,
On the cross He felt its sting.
'Tis His will that all the children,
Little Roland, Andrew sweet,
Gathered by His hand once wounded,
Dwell forever round His feet.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the theme of death and victory - Personal anecdote about childhood and innocence - The metaphor of the bee and its sting
- II points: - The nature of death as a painful experience - The role of Jesus in overcoming death - The promise of eternal life for believers
- III points: - The significance of the cross in removing the sting of death - The comfort found in Christ during times of loss - Encouragement to trust in God's plan
- IV points: - Call to embrace the hope of resurrection - The importance of faith in facing mortality - Conclusion and invitation to reflect on personal beliefs
Key Quotes
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” — Bernard Fell
“For that naughty bee shall never sting another child again.” — Bernard Fell
“Ah, methinks how death alighted on the children's Friend and King.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- Reflect on the victory over death that Jesus provides and how it impacts your life.
- Find comfort in the promise of eternal life during times of grief and loss.
- Share the message of hope with others who may be struggling with the fear of death.