Death sometimes had a majesty.”
–Zane Grey (The Border Legion)
“Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
–Psalm 44:22 (NKJV)
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Here we see in 2 Timothy 2:11-13 another little hymn of the Church that some call the “Hymn of Christian Commitment.” Paul gives us a little introduction to this hymn telling us to remember.
8 — Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9 — for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
10 — Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (NKJV)
Going into this holiday season I would encourage you to look at these words of Paul. Remember, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Barclay reminds us that this is not just a one time event, a single day in history, “but a continued state which lasts for ever.” It is more of do not just remember the day He rose from the dead, but be more mindful that He is our risen and ever-present Lord. “We do not depend on a memory, however great. We enjoy the power of a presence.” (Barclay)
We are to remember that Jesus was born of the seed of David. He was a man, He lived the same life that we do. He saw the problems of life and lived them. He faces the struggles that this life brings, and He even died to end His life. He was “the Christ who knew the desperate struggle of being a man and followed to the bitter end the will of God.” (Barclay) Finally, we are to remember the gospel. Hold firm to it, guard the truth presented. Follow the direction that it gives.
Now to the hymn–contemplate these verses for there is much in them:
11 — This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him, We shall live with Him.
12 — If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 — If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (NKJV)
William Petersen relates the story of newlyweds James Calvert and his wife that were sailing from England to the Fiji Islands. The inhabitants of those islands are not like they are today; back in 1838 they were fierce cannibals. What a honeymoon! Calvert, his wife, along with others were going to the natives with the gospel of Christ. The captain of the ship tried to warn them when he learned of their proposed endeavor. “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages!” Calvert responded boldly, “We died before we came here!”
Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). To live is Christ. We need to understand that this world holds nothing for us. Upon accepting Christ and picking up His cross we affirm our death to this world. As Barclay puts it, “The Christian inherits Christ’s Cross, but he also inherits Christ’s Resurrection.” If we endure, we shall reign. In other words we are to remain loyal no matter the cost. “Endure” according to Gordon Fee means, “holding one’s ground patiently in trouble or affliction.” We read in Mark 13:13, “…But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (NKJV)
There is a negative thrown in here. “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” What did Jesus say in Matthew? “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (12:33, NKJV) Barclay puts it this way, “Jesus Christ cannot vouch in eternity for a man who has refused to have anything to do with him in time; but He is forever true to the man who, however much he has failed, has tried to be true to Him.” Now, is the day of salvation. Live for Christ, now, today and He will be with you through eternity. “God will never fail the man who has tried to be true to Him, but not even He cannot help the man who has refused to have anything to do with Him.” (Barclay)
God’s character is firm, there is not a shadow of turning with Him. He is Who He is! He is the I AM! We have hope and assurance because “He cannot deny Himself.” It is impossible for Him to do so; we have that wonderful, calm assurance that He is with us. Jonathan Edwards said one time, “I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, every person ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone else gives Him his life, I will give Him mine.”
So go out this week singing the song of the early Church. What a doctrinal statement! What a testimony! What a promise!
“‘Take up thy cross,’ the Savior said,
‘If thou wouldst my disciple be;
Take up thy cross with willing heart,
And humbly follow after Me.'”
–Charles W. Everest