The Antithesis of Courage

Imagine Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.  The place is familiar; a grove of trees where he often lingers with his Heavenly Father in stillness. But on this night, the mount shakes with the footsteps of soldiers. Armed with torches and swords, a throng of soldiers approach God’s son. 

“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

Savor His response. “I am he.” (John 18:4-5)

Author Beth Moore writes, “Our hearts ought to miss a beat. Christ could have walked past the cross. He could have- but He didn’t” (Jesus the One and Only). According to Matthew 26:53, Jesus could have called on a legion of angels to protect him, but he chose not to. Sometimes courage is not in what we DO, but in What we DON’T Do!

While I have always presumed that the opposite of bravery is cowardice, Dr. David Jeremiah suggests that the antithesis of courage is compromise.

Look closely at the compromises in the Easter story: Judas compromises friendship for money and betrays his Savior. Peter compromises truth for safety and denies his best friend. Pilate compromises justice for job security and condemns the Messiah to death.

In unmistakeable contrast, Christ refuses to compromise salvation and He purchases our eternal life! In the poignant words of Beth Moore, “He gave up His last human breath so He never had to give up on humanity!” (Jesus the One and Only). Amazing Courage; Amazing Grace!

Today’s Treasure:  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne -Hebrews 12:2