No, we are not talking about beautiful funeral ceremonies, although some funeral services are very touching. You watch some funeral services and you feel like weeping because they are so well-organized. People say wonderful and powerful things about the departed. Wonderful as those events are, only one death qualifies as a glorious death. And if you have been with us for some time, you know we are speaking here of Jesus and His death on the cross.
Imagine, if Jesus had not died, how could he resurrect? Where would our Easter celebration come from? But more importantly, where would our faith be? Paul says if Jesus had not risen from the dead, our faith would have been useless. But glory be to God, Jesus rose from the grave. Because only the dead can rise is what makes his death a glorious death. The death and resurrection of Jesus is a clear example of the trouble in which the devil finds himself.
On the one hand, he hated Jesus and wanted Him to die, like yesterday. With conspiracy from religious leaders, he appeared to succeed in killing Jesus. However, the Bible says they would not have killed Jesus if they had known what would happen. The high priest did not know that killing Jesus would result in a glorious death. Because of that death, the veil that separates us from the Presence of God is now rent in two. And because of His resurrection which we celebrate at this season, we have a hope of rising even after death. Can I have an Amen?
Jesus Wanted Out Of The Glorious Death
Remember, we are on our positive problem journey. In the series, we claim that we must not automatically reject negative scenarios. Are we saying that embracing negative and painful situations is easy? Not at all. Even our Lord Jesus did not enjoy the idea of His death. He asked that God could please find another way to save us. But there was no other way and Jesus submitted to the Father’s will. Jesus is not the only one in the bible who found himself in an undesirable situation.
These biblical examples prayed and rather than try to change God’s mind, they changed their own minds about the scenario. That is what Jesus did. After praying that God should remove the cup of death, He aligned His will with the will of God. And it turned into a glorious death for that reason. Similarly, after Peter prayed three times against the thorn in his flesh, he aligned his mind with the mind of God. Look at how God allowed Paul to achieve more than the eleven disciples who physically walked with Jesus.
Consider David, whose son that he had by Bathsheba was ill and dying. He prayed and fasted but when God showed that the boy had to die, David wiped his tears and asked for food. His behavior baffled his servants. They would probably have continued with their prayer and fasting. David knew where the child was and that he would go and meet him there. Jesus also knew His Father would not let Him see corruption in the grave. He was confident that he was going on to a glorious death.
We Should Be Like Jesus
That is how we too should be. Pray about a negative situation but do not try to force God’s hands. I doubt that you can do that anyway. Do not be like the importunate woman who pestered the unjust judge because our God is a just God. The example is just in the bible to show us how speedily God is able and willing to answer our prayers. If for reasons known to Him alone, He does not provide a quick answer, we should not pester Him.
Jesus trusted God enough to commend His soul into His hands on the cross. On the cross! Since Jesus is our example, should we not trust God enough to leave even our negative situations in God’s hands? That is what our entire series is all about. Pray about your negative situations and when God says His grace is sufficient for you, accept God’s will. That way, even if our situation results in death, it will be a glorious death.
Maranatha!
