The Walking Dead, a critically acclaimed, award-winning postapocalyptic horror TV series, is set in the aftermath of a virus infection that turned humans into zombies—the walking dead. The series focuses on a small group of uninfected human beings, led by a deputy sheriff, seeking a safe haven from the dangerous hordes of the “walkers,” and a cure to the disease. At the end of Season 1, viewers were told that the French doctors might have found a cure. But, alas, a cure was not found that soon, for having the antidote would have signaled the premature ending of a lucrative TV series.
Before you became a Christ-follower, you were once the walking dead—infected by a deadly disease. “You were dead because of your . . . many sins” (Ephesians 2:1). As an undead, you lived “in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil” (Ephesians 2:2).
Unlike the characters on the TV series, we don’t have to try and create a cure or seek a safe haven. God has graciously provided both. “God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead” (Ephesians 2:4-5). Thankfully, the antidote isn’t dependent on our popularity or successes. “It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!” (Ephesians 2:5). “It is a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8).
We have a safe haven. God has “raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). You are no longer the walking dead, nor are you to live like one (Ephesians 4:17). For in Christ, you’ve been made alive!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 15:22-41
More:
What are the characteristics of the living dead in Ephesians 4:17-32? Paul commanded us not to live like the walking dead (Ephesians 4:17). What marks the way we live our new life?
Next:
“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). How are you “God’s masterpiece”? What “good things” are you to do?
Terrence Simon on October 31, 2012 at 4:07 am
Dear Sim,
Thanks for remainding us that by the grace of god we are living in this world.
Each new day is gift from our god.
His grace is sufficient for us
Gene on October 31, 2012 at 8:02 am
Lord, thank you for the great mercy you have granted us. You have not only given us Mercy, but made us alive in Christ! Amen
tom felten on October 31, 2012 at 8:59 am
KT, this biblical view of God’s grace affects ever part of our lives as we live it out from our transformed hearts. May we bow before Him today with hearts full of gratitude and lavish His grace on others!
mike wittmer on October 31, 2012 at 8:44 pm
I had never made this connection to zombies, and it’s a good one. Thank you for this reminder of the spectacular grace of God.
belleu on November 2, 2012 at 8:15 pm
We are dead while still alive when following Satan. Good analogy. Thank God he has made us alive!
winn collier on November 4, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Augustine has this interesting allusion in City of God where he makes reference to living dead, a notion like our zombies. I wish I could recall it, but the emphasis was on this distinction you make between life in God verses all the counterfeits.