“Oh Death, Where is Your Sting?”

At the beginning of 2024, Amy and I were experiencing the joy of settling into our role as parents to Ellie. Just as a sense of normalcy began to characterize our life again, Amy delivered the shocking news that she was pregnant. Despite the initial shock, we were both overcome with joy and excitement. The thought of Ellie having a baby sibling alleviated any cause of concern about having two children under two years old. A few weeks later, as we sat in the ultrasound room, Amy and I felt prepared for the arrival of our second child in September. I vividly remember looking at the screen calmly when the technician paused and expressed concern. Although she could not provide definite answers, the inevitable gradually overshadowed any resemblance of hope: there was no baby. It was a week before we were able to receive confirmation.

Even before having Ellie, we knew that miscarriage was a possible reality. Yet, despite this seminal awareness, our hearts were not altogether prepared to face the death of a loved one we have never met face to face. This facet of the situation brought deep grief to our hearts that — at first — seemed unbearable. As a Christian, I am committed to the historic doctrine of the Imago Dei, which means that every person — born or unborn — is made in the image of God and thus has intrinsic value bestowed upon them by their Creator. Because of this firm belief, I also acknowledge that the miscarriage resulted in the death of a human being. Even with this reality, we recognize something even more incredible: Christ has defeated death.

In 1 Corinthians 15:55, Paul quotes two Old Testament texts: “‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” The context of these two quotations points to Paul’s emphasis on the resurrection. Christians have affirmed the doctrine of bodily resurrection since the church’s inception. Because Christ has been raised to live, those in Christ will also be raised. This is both a soteriological and eschatological reality. The Sunday following hearing about the loss of our unborn baby, I was reminded of this passage during the sermon. Understanding that death persists until Christ returns yet it does not have the final word, has been an incredibly comforting truth for us. Though Amy and I grieve, we do not grieve without hope. God reminds us that — even with the tragic reality of physical death — Christians experience hope that all is not lost. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring, there is a conversation that occurs between Frodo and Gandalf about Sauron’s ring:

Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.

Here, Tolkien expresses through Gandalf the fact that Sauron has already lost. This is akin to the Christian doctrine of God’s providence. Tolkien’s theology of providence coincides with the truth of the finality of Christ’s defeat of death. Despite the appearance of the present circumstances, Christ has already attained victory. Thus, by defeating death, Christ has nullified the effects of death. This brings me tremendous hope. One of the reasons I enjoy studying history is that my hope increases even as I observe God’s providential plan being fulfilled. Despite all of the bad we see in history, the brightness of God’s glory shines forth. Even now, as I wrestle with the effects of sin in this life, there will always be a ray of hope glimmering over the hilltop.

The effects of the Fall — including miscarriage — are often apparent. But even amidst these effects, God displays His mercies and grace through the Body of Christ. Amy and I have experienced this firsthand through our local church. Yet, one day, we will fully apprehend God’s glory and goodness in eternity. As we look forward to that day, there is a recognition of the inconsequential nature of death. Because of Christ’s resurrection, there is hope for Christ’s people. May all of God’s people continually seek after this hope.