A Dead Man Walking

We are officially into the new year – so Happy New Year to you! Today I am tackling a serious subject, a dead man walking. So hang on and don’t cut your read short today. It could mean the difference between being a dead man (or woman) walking, or being a dead man (or woman) walking. What? No, that wasn’t a typo. Yes, what a great way to start a new year! Read on.

Definition of A Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking (noun):

1: a condemned man walking from his prison cell to a place of execution;
2: informal any person in a doomed or untenable situation, esp one about to lose his or her job

Condemned to Die

So I want to look at this from a couple of angles spiritually speaking. Under definition #1 from above, this is all of us. Sin imprisoned us (condemned to die) before accepting what Jesus has done for us. Scripture tells us that we have ALL fallen short of God’s glory – we have all sinned. Sin condemns us. We were judged guilty and sentenced to (spiritual) death – this means eternal separation from God.

Romans 3:23 NIV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

I Am Doomed!

Well then, we are all doomed. We are all dead men and women walking! Yes, this is true. At least at one time. That’s where the lamb of God comes in. Okay, now I am getting into Christianese, which I don’t want to do.

But simply put, there had to be a perfect sacrifice on our behalf for us to have life with Him. This had to be done to set us free from the sin that imprisoned us. That is where Jesus comes in, the lamb of God. He is that perfect (lived without sin) sacrifice. He did it on our behalf because of His great love for us, for you, for me! This set us free!

Note – sin requires a payment. We pay for our sin with our life. That payment is eternal separation from God. So Jesus stepped in, because He loves us so much, and paid that debt (that penalty) for us with His own life. So much to teach here so watch for future posts on this.

John 8:32, 36 NIV

³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Is Being Dead a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Now let me get into another angle of this meaning. ‘Dead man walking’ could be that point in your life when you feel numb. You feel you are at a dead end in life. This is getting into definition #2.

Just a few things that might make you feel like a dead man/woman:

• The loss of a loved one, spouse, best friend, significant other, family, and others…even a pet.
• An affair or divorce – or other situations where you are caught off guard.
• Loss of a job or major source of income, or your retirement/investment taking a major hit.
• Mental illness and the feeling of being in a dark hole.
• Abuse, feeling trapped, and having no one to cry out to for help.
• Stress and/or anxiety at the highest level.
• If any of this applies to you cry out to someone and by all means, email me if you don’t have someone!

A New Dead Man Walking

So the difference between being a dead man walking, and a dead man walking? The first dead man walking has a feeling like there is no hope. You are trapped and overwhelmed and feeling numb to life.

The second dead man walking? At one time feeling there was no hope. But now you are dead to your sins (forgiven) and alive in/to Christ! The old man (the old ways of your life) is now buried and dead – gone!

There is Hope

He gave you life when you were without hope. And now He is your:

• healer
• peace/rest
• joy
• comfort
• security/protector/defender
• redeemer
• provider
• best friend
• life
• strength/refuge
• power
• wisdom
• truth
• Lord and Savior
• King – One and Only God

Challenge of the Week

Do NOT be condemned by your sin. Jesus paid the price for your sin. Start 2022 out dead to yourself and alive in Christ. Be a dead man/woman in Christ, that He may fully live through you and bring you great hope to share with others! So be it.