Mankinds Enemy Death

"He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" Matthew 26:39. All scriptural references are from The Orthodox Study Bible.

When I read this passage I think of the many times we fall on our face and pray out to God to help us. No one truly knows the extent of our personal sufferings. We call out to God to alleviate them. Then it says, "not my will but Yours, Father."
We do not want to carry our cross. We do not want to drink of our cup. Is there any other way? Death must come to us all and we abhor death and struggle against it.

Jesus knew that he must drink the cup. He knew the pain and suffering associated with being "flesh," and went to His suffering and death voluntarily. (His passion, and death, abolished for all time, mankind's enemy "death" by His death and Resurrection).

He faced death courageously with a willing spirit. Jesus knew that the Scriptures must be fulfilled, see (Matthew 26:54).
Soon we will celebrate Pascha, and Christ's victory from death to life, from earth to heaven. We will sing of Christ's Resurrection from the dead and all of creation will rejoice. For death has been vanquished. Radiantly we will glorify Him!
This event, some 2,000 years ago, establishes for us all, "life", for all eternity, for with God, there is no time. The invitation is extended to each and everyone of us, through faith.

Our faith is confirmed in (Revelation 1:18-20) "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

(2Timothy 1:9-10) "According to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

It began with a plan. The Mystical Supper, which is extended to us each and every time Liturgy is celebrated, we hear the words of Jesus, found in (Matthew 26:26) "Take eat; this is My body." Who will receive the Christ, the Son of the Living God? Or, will you be like Peter. (Matthew 26:75)"Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly." Love is a decision.....It's your free choice.