Embracing Mortality and Hope in Life's Journey

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we all have an innate desire to make our lives count, to find significance and purpose. However, this drive can sometimes lead us astray, causing us to feel overly exalted when things are going well or deeply discouraged when they are not. Today, I want to share two essential thoughts that can guide us through both the highs and lows of life. These thoughts are inspired by two famous walks from the ancient world, each offering profound lessons.

The first walk is the Roman "Via Triumphalis," a grand procession for a conquering hero, a general who had achieved a significant military victory. This triumph was a spectacle of glory and honor, with the general dressed in a scarlet toga and crowned with a laurel, symbolizing his temporary divine status. Yet, amidst the celebration, a slave would whisper in his ear, "Memento Mori"—remember you are mortal. This reminder of mortality is crucial for us today, especially when we find ourselves in positions of power or success. It is a call to humility, to remember that our lives are fragile and finite, and that true greatness is not found in earthly accolades but in living a life of service and gratitude.

The second walk is that of Jesus, a carpenter who walked a path of suffering and sacrifice. Unlike the Roman triumph, Jesus' walk was marked by humiliation and pain, culminating in his crucifixion. Yet, it was through this act of selfless love that he achieved the ultimate triumph—atoning for the sins of humanity and offering life to his enemies. This walk teaches us to remember the resurrection, the hope that transcends our present circumstances. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are beloved children of God, and that our ultimate victory is assured through Christ.

As we navigate our own lives, whether in times of success or struggle, let us hold onto these truths. When things are going well, let us remember our mortality and live with humility and gratitude. When we face challenges, let us remember the resurrection and the hope it brings, knowing that our ultimate triumph is not dependent on worldly success but on the love and grace of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Memento Mori: In moments of success and triumph, remember your mortality. This ancient reminder calls us to humility, urging us to recognize that our achievements are not solely due to our own abilities but are gifts from God. Our lives are fragile, and true greatness lies in serving others and living with gratitude. [03:59]

- The Illusion of Control: We often attribute our success to our own intelligence and personality, but we control far less than we think. Our very lives are gifts, hanging by a thread. Recognizing this can lead us to a deeper dependence on God and a more profound appreciation for the life we have. [05:40]

- The Walk of Jesus: Jesus' path of suffering and sacrifice teaches us about true triumph. Unlike earthly victories, his atoning death brought life to his enemies. This walk reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in worldly success but in the resurrection and the life it promises. [07:40]

- Hope in Resurrection: In times of darkness and difficulty, remember the resurrection. Our hope is not in the immediate resolution of our problems but in the ultimate victory that has already been won through Christ. This hope sustains us and gives us strength to persevere. [10:19]

- Living with Purpose: Whether in times of success or struggle, make your life count by living in the light of these truths. Seek God's help, serve others, and hold onto the hope of the resurrection. This is the path to true significance and fulfillment. [10:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - The Drive for Significance
- [00:42] - Two Essential Thoughts
- [01:17] - The Roman Triumph
- [02:02] - Pompey's Extravagant Triumph
- [03:21] - Memento Mori: Remember Your Mortality
- [04:30] - The Illusion of Control
- [05:40] - Brains and Personality
- [06:09] - The Walk of Jesus
- [07:06] - Jesus' Path of Sacrifice
- [08:12] - The Whisper of Resurrection
- [09:02] - Living in Success
- [09:46] - Hope in Times of Struggle
- [10:19] - Remember the Resurrection
- [10:54] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
2. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Roman "Via Triumphalis" and how did it serve as a reminder of mortality? [03:21]
2. How did Jesus' walk differ from the Roman triumph, and what was the ultimate outcome of His journey? [07:40]
3. What role did the slave play during the Roman triumph, and what message was he tasked with delivering? [03:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the illusion of control in our lives, and what is the suggested perspective on our achievements? [05:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "Memento Mori" challenge the way individuals perceive success and power in their lives? [03:59]
2. In what ways does Jesus' path of suffering and sacrifice redefine the idea of triumph and victory? [07:40]
3. How can the resurrection of Jesus provide hope and strength during times of personal struggle and darkness? [10:19]
4. What does it mean to live with humility and gratitude, and how can this mindset impact one's daily life and interactions with others? [09:02]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent success or achievement in your life. How can you apply the concept of "Memento Mori" to maintain humility and gratitude in that situation? [03:59]
2. Consider a current challenge or struggle you are facing. How can the hope of the resurrection influence your perspective and response to this situation? [10:19]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel a strong sense of control. How can you acknowledge the illusion of control and deepen your dependence on God in that area? [05:40]
4. Think of a time when you felt exalted or praised. How can you remind yourself of your mortality and the temporary nature of earthly accolades in such moments? [03:21]
5. How can you incorporate the mindset of Jesus, as described in Philippians 2:5-8, into your relationships and interactions this week?
6. What specific actions can you take to serve others and live with gratitude, regardless of your current circumstances? [09:02]
7. Reflect on a moment of darkness or difficulty in your life. How did the hope of the resurrection sustain you, and how can you share this hope with others who may be struggling? [10:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Humility in Success
In moments of triumph, it is easy to become consumed by our achievements and forget the fragility of life. The Roman "Via Triumphalis" serves as a powerful reminder that even in our greatest successes, we are mortal. The whisper of "Memento Mori" calls us to humility, urging us to recognize that our accomplishments are not solely the result of our own abilities but are gifts from God. True greatness is found not in earthly accolades but in living a life of service and gratitude. By acknowledging our mortality, we can maintain a posture of humility and gratitude, even in times of success. [03:59]

"For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself taking credit for your successes? How can you practice humility and gratitude today by acknowledging these as gifts from God?


Day 2: Recognize the Illusion of Control
We often attribute our success to our intelligence and personality, believing we have control over our lives. However, the reality is that we control far less than we think. Our lives are gifts, hanging by a thread, and recognizing this can lead us to a deeper dependence on God. By acknowledging the illusion of control, we can cultivate a more profound appreciation for the life we have and the blessings we receive. This awareness invites us to trust in God's sovereignty and to live with a sense of wonder and gratitude for each day. [05:40]

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the need to control the outcome? How can you surrender this area to God and trust in His plan today?


Day 3: Follow the Path of Sacrifice
The walk of Jesus, marked by suffering and sacrifice, teaches us about true triumph. Unlike earthly victories, Jesus' atoning death brought life to His enemies. This path of sacrifice reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in worldly success but in the resurrection and the life it promises. By following Jesus' example, we are called to live lives of selfless love and service, trusting that true victory is found in the hope of the resurrection. [07:40]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embody the sacrificial love of Jesus in your daily interactions? What is one specific way you can serve someone in your life today?


Day 4: Find Hope in the Resurrection
In times of darkness and difficulty, the hope of the resurrection sustains us. Our hope is not in the immediate resolution of our problems but in the ultimate victory that has already been won through Christ. This hope gives us strength to persevere, knowing that we are beloved children of God and that our ultimate triumph is assured. By holding onto the hope of the resurrection, we can face challenges with courage and faith, trusting in God's love and grace. [10:19]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is a current challenge you are facing that feels overwhelming? How can the hope of the resurrection give you strength and perspective in this situation?


Day 5: Live with Purpose and Significance
Whether in times of success or struggle, we are called to make our lives count by living in the light of these truths. By seeking God's help, serving others, and holding onto the hope of the resurrection, we find true significance and fulfillment. This is the path to a life that truly matters, one that is marked by purpose and meaning. By aligning our lives with these principles, we can navigate the highs and lows of life with grace and confidence, knowing that our ultimate victory is in Christ. [10:35]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can live with purpose and significance today? How can you align your actions with the truths of humility, sacrifice, and hope in your daily life?

Quotes


In our journey through life, we all have an innate desire to make our lives count, to find significance and purpose. However, this drive can sometimes lead us astray, causing us to feel overly exalted when things are going well or deeply discouraged when they are not. [00:17:24]

The first walk is the Roman "Via Triumphalis," a grand procession for a conquering hero, a general who had achieved a significant military victory. This triumph was a spectacle of glory and honor, with the general dressed in a scarlet toga and crowned with a laurel, symbolizing his temporary divine status. [00:77:00]

Yet, amidst the celebration, a slave would whisper in his ear, "Memento Mori"—remember you are mortal. This reminder of mortality is crucial for us today, especially when we find ourselves in positions of power or success. It is a call to humility, to remember that our lives are fragile and finite. [00:205:68]

So when things going really good, those are good words to remember I thought what a good thing it would be in our day if people sitting in uh very important CEO chairs or on top of massive amounts of wealth or at a presidential inauguration. [00:235:88]

The other walk would eventually become even more famous than Pompei's walk. Pompei was Mortal in just a little more than a decade his rivalry with Julius Caesar would not turn out so well and he would be assassinated and beheaded and his head would be presented to Caesar. [00:369:08]

The walk of Jesus, a carpenter who walked a path of suffering and sacrifice. Unlike the Roman triumph, Jesus' walk was marked by humiliation and pain, culminating in his crucifixion. Yet, it was through this act of selfless love that he achieved the ultimate triumph—atoning for the sins of humanity. [00:389:96]

Before he went to his death he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray one last time to his father and the voice that he had heard his whole life long this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased the promise that he had lived by his whole life long. [00:473:72]

Remember the resurrection, the hope that transcends our present circumstances. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are beloved children of God, and that our ultimate victory is assured through Christ. [00:514:84]

As you seek to make your life count maybe everything's going great, and you're sitting in just the chair that you want to sit and people are showering you with praise and you are making your mark and you are moving from strength to strength. [00:531:72]

If things are difficult if things are dark or you're suffering or you're going through a loss or you're going through a hurt part of the Fellowship of the withered hand remember the resurrection not your circumstances are going to turn around maybe they will not. [00:581:32]

Remember the ultimate Triumph has already been won and does not depend on the Roman senate for its ratification you get is celebrated in the eyes of God and by the throngs of Heaven you are mortal and you will die remember the resurrection that's our hope. [00:621:84]

So make today count love you I'll see you next time thanks for joining us here at become new. me if you'd like to receive the daily emails that go along with each video let us know at become new. me@gmail.com or if you want prayer you can text us. [00:646:76]

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Transcript
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