MEMORISE
Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).
READ:
Matthew 27:1-5
[1]. When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death.
[2]. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
[3]. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
[4]. saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
[5]. Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
EXPOSITION
Suicide has become a worldwide negative phenomenon as today commemorates World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a desperate attempt to end a seemingly unbearable pain. Often blinded by feelings of self-hate, despondency and isolation, a person who sees no escape route, sometimes resorts to taking his own life. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is an estimation of about one million people who commit suicide each year, besides those with unsuccessful attempts. One wonders why someone would decide to end his/her own life.
Therapists have highlighted some things that cause suicide. First is Stress-when a person is too overwhelmed by the rigours and tasking demands of the job, spouses, relations, or friends. Manage stress well by not bottling-up your emotions; always free your mind (cf. Lk. 17:3-4). Also, learn to cast your burden on the able shoulders of Jesus (Matt. 6:25; 11:28). Added to this is ungodly pursuit that mostly backfire. Judas paid dearly with his life for choosing to betray the Lord; his self-inflicted frustration led him to suicide.
Another factor therapists point at is Negative Friends. Of course, the Bible warns us of having too much friends (Prov. 18:24) and relating with the toxic ones (1 Cor. 15:33,34). Stay away from the unnecessarily despondent people who see no reason for living. They talk about life as if it is not worth living at all. Sometimes, it can be because of their own bitter experiences. They can be very disastrous. Jesus is the reason for our living (Jn. 14:6,12; Php. 4:13). Hold unto Him. He is the only hope that never puts to shame nor disappoints (Rom. 5:5; Eph. 2:12; Col. 1:27). Suicide can never be the solution to your situation!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC CHB 399
1. Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Chorus:
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a friend that's well known;
You have no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
2. Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Have you sins that to men's eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
3. Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
4. Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
For Christ's coming kingdom are you singing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. I reject every tendency to take my life, in Jesus' name.
2. I dispel from around me stress and anxiety that can lead me to suicide like it happened to Judas.
3. Pray for as many as may want to commit suicide, that they should encounter Christ before it is too late.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Ezekiel 9-12
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Sunday, September 10, 2023 (World Suicide Prevention Day) TOPIC: SUICIDE IS NOT AN OPTION (I)){kind=link}