“I Have the Keys of Hell and of Death” – Jesus (Revelation 1:18)
What a powerful declaration. What a comfort. But what does it really mean?
Why then do the righteous still die mysteriously? Why do the wicked celebrate? And does it even matter when we cry, “God, fight for us! Destroy the ones who destroy the innocent”?
Let’s go deep into the mystery, the pain, and the hope.
The Painful Reality: The Righteous Still Die
We’ve seen it:
- A pastor dies mysteriously.
- A young woman on fire for God is cut short.
- A boy with a calling dies in his sleep.
- The wicked laugh. The righteous weep.
Why, Lord?
The same Jesus who said “I have the keys of hell and death” watched Stephen get stoned. He saw John beheaded. He saw Paul imprisoned, beaten, and executed.
So what do those keys mean? And why does death still come?
The Truth Behind the Keys
When Jesus says “I have the keys of hell and death,” He’s saying:
“I now have full authority over what happens after this life. I control who lives eternally, and who doesn’t. Death cannot take without My permission. Hell cannot swallow without My command.”
It means:
- Satan doesn’t have the final say.
- No demon can steal a soul without divine approval.
- God doesn’t lose anyone by accident.
So even when we don’t understand why someone died, we must know:
Jesus did not lose control.
He opened the gate to eternity.
So Why Do We Still Fear Death?
We fear because we are still human.
- Death is mysterious.
- Pain hurts.
- Judgment is real.
- And honestly… we all want more time.
Even the strongest in faith Elijah, Job, David all had moments where they feared death. Jesus Himself prayed in agony before the cross.
It’s okay to be afraid but don’t stay afraid. Remember who holds the key.
Who Really Kills?
Let’s be honest.
Sometimes we say, “The enemy killed him.”
Other times, “It was just sickness.”
And sometimes, “God took her.”
So… who kills?
The truth is:
- God can call someone home (Deut. 32:39, Isaiah 57:1).
- Satan can cause death if God allows (Job 1:12–19).
- Humans can kill by wickedness or neglect.
- Nature can end life sickness, age, accident.
But in all, God permits it.
Not because He is cruel but because He sees what we don’t.
He sees the eternal purpose, the future pain He may be sparing someone from, and the reward that waits beyond the grave.
When Evil Celebrates a Death…
…We ache.
…We rage.
…We cry, “Lord, where is justice?”
When those who plotted and rejoiced at the fall of a righteous one throw parties what should we do?
Do we curse them?
No.
Do we cry for justice?
Yes.
The Bible is full of men and women who called on God to judge the wicked:
- David said, “Let their way be dark and slippery.” (Psalm 35)
- Jeremiah said, “Bring judgment upon them, O Lord.” (Jer. 18:21–23)
These are not prayers of revenge they are cries for justice when wickedness goes too far.
Should We Pray for Our Enemies to Die?
It’s a real question.
- “God, silence them.”
- “Expose them.”
- “If they won’t repent, remove them.”
Yes, there are biblical imprecatory prayers calling on God to judge or destroy.
But be careful:
- Don’t pray from hatred it opens doors to the enemy.
- Don’t try to be God ask for His justice, not your revenge.
- Pray with tears, not just anger.
“Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord. I will repay.” – Romans 12:19
🌾 What Should We Do?
When the righteous die, and the wicked laugh:
1. Pray for Justice
Cry to God, not for revenge, but for righteous judgment. He listens.
2. Honor the Legacy
Keep the memory of the righteous alive. Share their story. Continue their work.
3. Stay Clean
Don’t let bitterness poison your spirit. Keep your heart soft before God.
4. Trust Eternity
God sees beyond now. What looks like a mysterious death here may be a victory transfer in heaven.
Final Words: Trust the One with the Keys
Yes, Jesus holds the keys.
But even with the keys in His hand He still allows us to walk through pain, mystery, and even death.
Not because He’s weak.
But because He’s wise, eternal, and just.
The enemy may celebrate for a night.
But justice rises in the morning.
And the righteous? They are not lost they are home.
“Because I live, you shall live also.” – John 14:19
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