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Choosing life on death row

Opinion & Analysis
Oftentimes destiny fulfilling highways have been discovered on the so called end of the road. Life has emerged from dead situations.

Oftentimes destiny fulfilling highways have been discovered on the so called end of the road. Life has emerged from dead situations.

The attitude one exhibits when confronted by a dream-shattering experience determines whether one seals the end or enters a new dispensation regenerated and rejuvenated. Careers can be born after receiving letters of dismissal or retrenchment. Enjoyable and long lasting marriages can emerge during processing of divorce papers. You can use a devastating experience to confirm and expedite your demise or to turn your fortunes for the better. Should we behave well, a death situation may turn out to be a life giving encounter.

We oftentimes get into situations where we’re either on the verge of breakthrough or breakdown depending on attitude. Because of wrong actions and decisions, justice will put you on the firing line.

Injustice in the system can also condemn you to your end. Many have been wrongly fired and some relegated to the dustbin of life on trumped up charges and frivolous accusations. It’s in your power to see the beginning in an end and hope in a hopeless situation. In the crepuscule of his life, Abraham believed God’s promise he would have a son with Sarah who had long since passed child bearing age. Romans 4:18 records, “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”

Life is anchored on the basis of choices and the all powerful God created us as free moral agents with capacity to choose. So just is our God that He gave us power to choose life or death according to our desire. Speaking through the mouth of Moses, God says in Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” While you have the freedom to choose death, God prefers you choose life. What dead situations are you facing? Pick the life option out of them. Even if it’s physical death, choose eternal life. Here and there a moment of salvation or rescue pops up in the midst of dead situations. It’s your choice and attitude that counts.

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The story of the death of Jesus will teach us. There were others also on the cross on this occasion. Matthew 27:38 records, “Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.” The full story as recorded in Luke 23:39-43 reads, “[39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Although Jesus was condemned to die this painful way, He was innocent. Though innocent He didn’t seek revenge, but committed His life into the hands of God who can raise the dead and preserve life. His attitude shows He hoped to get better results out of death. How will your attitude be like when they chase you out of your lodgings unprocedurally and inhumanly? What will be the venom you will be spitting and vitriol you will be discharging when they sack you from the job? You can be force marched out of a marriage and matrimonial home. The same can be said of your sports team or even a political party you passionately love or is it your hunger for riches and craving for power?

Facing death alongside Jesus were two criminals who deserved their punishment. One chose to be unrepentant and went ahead to rub it into Jesus. He sarcastically asked Jesus to save Himself and them. The other one didn’t choose to rub salt into Jesus’ wounds. He was remorseful and maintained his fear and respect to the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. The end of it was that two chose not to be bitter, but manifested a sweet spirit. They entered paradise. The other one wronged the community and insulted the one with power over life and death. It’s even more tragic that he was so close to salvation yet because of wrong attitude he faced condemnation. Don’t be so close to the Redeemer and close the door to redemption. You are going somewhere®.

l All Scripture quotations are from the King Jame Version of the Bible

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