Dare to Die!

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"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" (Psa 23:4)

From day one Jesus knew that He had come to die. But when the hour approached, He got "deeply depressed." He handled the fear of death with two powerful weapons—

a) Prayer of Commitment

When fear of death gripped the Lord, He offered a prayer of commitment that is unparalleled in history. He said, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Mt 26:39). The fact that He repeated the same prayer thrice speaks of His dead earnestness. The Father God was so pleased with the prayer of His Son that He sent a special angel from Heaven to strengthen Him (Lk 22: 42-45). His feeble hands, fainting knees and faltering feet received strength to stand up and face whatever (Heb 12:12).

Another truth to be learnt here is that the responsibility to pray is primarily on the sufferer. "Is anyone among you suffering? Let HIM pray" (Js 5:13a). Don't depend on Pastor Peter or Evangelist James or Prophet John to do the praying for you. One will go to sleep, the other will slumber and the next will be snoring! They have enough of their own sorrows to sink them! (Lk 22:45). Others can support us in prayer but not substitute our praying. No one can understand the pain like the suffering candidate.

b) Hope of Resurrection

Death shows no partiality whether you are sweet sixteen or sane sixty. But Good Friday is not the end. There is an Easter Sunday! It was the hope of resurrection that toughened the faith of Christ during suffering and crucifixion. He endured the Cross in anticipation of the joyous Resurrection. He despised the shame in the hope of glorification (Heb 12:2). He was disappointed by the hostility from sinners but He was not discouraged (v3). The throne of tomorrow inspired Him to endure the thorn of today! Whenever Jesus spoke of His death, He invariably talked about His resurrection also (Mk 9:30,31; 10:32-34). The faith heroes of yesteryears refused immediate deliverance because their eyes were on the ultimate resurrection (Heb 11:35).

Whether to live or die, I know not which is best;
To live in Thee is bliss to me; To die is endless rest!
                                        (Henry Harbaugh)

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