The Alluring Scent of Morning Glories

What scattered hills pepper the vast trails of man's destiny; what sorted trails lie untouched in the darkened precipices of our journey? When once death comes what side of what gate shall I stand in trepidatory silence? With each step death comes ever and immanently closer to the fearful and unknown. What wise philosophers, poets, and prophets have so long told us of the land beyond? And yet ringing in our ears are the hardened and ardent words of only one man who dared to stand boldly in the face of death.

One may here choose to turn back, for the stench of the preacher's hand is poignant and full. However, fears and prejudices aside, only one has dared to face death in boldness and humility; in courage and strength; in humbleness and submission. And so it is that only one has seemingly gained victory over it. Early Palestine paints a picture of a world not seen in human history before. The Roman Empire, in the length of its history, would stretch from Great Britain to Asia, and all would bow to Caesar or death would be their ally. And yet, Caesar had a problem.

Domitian would little, and pretty much not, tolerate resistance, but, nonetheless a small band of rebels stood firm in their convictions against the tyrant; the dragon; the beast. No hand would make them bow; no one would gain their reverence except the one who saved them. For them death was no enemy, and its hand held no treachery. Their only fear was that of neglecting their awed and joyful love for Christ. Who is it that they should fear? Can the one who has power over the flesh in any way bring more terror than he who has power over the spirit?

No indeed, just as Lazarus knew the depths of the life after and the refreshing ascent to the flesh once more, so too have we been buried through baptism into death in order that we too may experience new life. We must march boldly on in the light of the life that we have, for we are assured, as believers in the true way of Christ, that our life is all enduring and will burn ablaze for eternity. We are that scent-full and energetic blossom of a morning glory that is breaking the till and bursting forth from the ground in new life and exuberance; we are in Christ who, being buried in a garden, has ushered in the new spring season of our spirits and enraptured us in the breadth of His life-giving hand in order that we too may have new life. No seed that has not been buried may seek new life and new salvation. With what courage and ferocity may I bury myself to myself? With what boldness may I stand toe to toe with the ceaselessness of existence? With what faith may I submit myself to death? What life may I lay down in order to find it?