What if the worst should happen?

One of the most interesting mechanisms in great stories is when the protagonist(s) define the worst possible situation, and then, in spite of their best efforts to evade this situation, it happens.

Han Solo went to tremendous lengths to evade capture by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back.  After a lengthy pursuit with great obstacles, they mask their escape by floating away with the garbage of a Star Destroyer, and then make their way to Cloud City.  The worst case scenario is clearly shown to be getting caught by Darth Vader.  Then, the worst happens: it is revealed that Vader was there the whole time, and that they are completely powerless against him... even to the point that Han Solo is frozen and hauled away by a bounty hunter.  Luke's efforts to save his friends fail, and the resolution of the story is ultimately left to the subsequent film, Return of the Jedi.

Some films portray this idea multiple times.  Consider the risk that is taken by Indiana Jones to go back to Berlin and obtain the rest of his father's grail diary.  Knowing the risk, Jones disguises himself as a German officer and obtains the diary from Doctor Elsa Schneider.  Then, the worst imaginable thing occurs: he bumps into Adolf Hitler himself, who notices the diary clutched in Jones's hand.  The dictator takes the book, and then, to the surprise of Jones (and the audience) he signs his name and returns it to him.

There are many other instances of this idea in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but one that is particularly outstanding is when the perils of the trials that protect the grail are demonstrated.  After witnessing a terrifying beheading, Jones, his father, Marcus Brody, and Sallah are discovered and captured by the Nazis.  If it were not bad enough to know that Indiana would likely be forced to go through these dangerous trials, the Nazis make the situation even more desperate by putting a time limit on the task: they shoot Indiana's father in the gut.  The worst possible situation is resolved in dramatic fashion as the divine power of the grail heals Henry's grievous injury.

The examples of this idea are not limited to action or adventure films.  They are found in books, TV shows, manga, and numerous other types of media.  More than its entertainment value, perhaps it is important for its thematic message... what if the worst should happen?  Many worry about the future, and many are justified in their anxiety.

The reality of anxiety about the future is perhaps what makes actual events that describe these situations even more compelling.  There is no situation that better exemplifies this idea than that of the Apostles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

They believed that Jesus was not just a great prophet, and not just a worker of miracles... but that he was the literal Son of God... the promised Messiah.  (Matthew 16:16)  It was not a new thing for Jesus to be in danger... he had been threatened many times, but he always seemed to have power to escape. (Luke 4:29-30, John 10:39)

The question, what if the worst should happen? was something for which Peter seemed prepared.  Even after Jesus prophesied that he would deny him, he protested: "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:35)

In the end, the machinations of the chief priests and scribes seemed to work.  They had bought Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver to prevent him from escaping again, and had a large number of men with swords and staves to take him from Gethsemane.  Peter tried to keep to his word, and struck out at one of them, but Jesus forbade him, and even healed the ear of Malchus, the man who had been wounded. (Luke 22:51)

At the command of the Son of God, his disciples fled.  There was no blending in with a crowd and escaping.  He was taken before the Sanhedrin, and condemned by his enemies.  They brought him to Pontius Pilate, but in spite of his desire to free Jesus, he gave in to the bloodthirsty mob who demanded his crucifixion.

Some of his disciples were there as they lifted him up on the cross.  Perhaps there was still a bit of hope left as they watched.. after all... he was the Son of God.  Perhaps they offered prayers and begged God to preserve his son...  Perhaps they begged him not to let the worst happen... but it did.

How it must have broken their spirits to hear their Messiah cry out "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?"  It must have been clear to his mother when he asked John to look after her, that the worst was about to happen.  Finally, he cried with a loud voice, and died.

I can only imagine the pain and doubt that must have come to the disciples.  Their champion had been taken, their master had been defeated, their King had been betrayed, their Messiah had been slain.  The worst had happened.

What do you do when the basis of your faith is gone?  What should you think when everything for which you have dedicated your life is taken away?  As inspiring as Jesus had been, all that was left of him was in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.  Though he had raised Lazarus from the dead, there was no one left to raise him.

Of course, the story did not end there.  The women came to his tomb to honor him and anoint his body, but they found instead two angels.  They stated, as though they should have known better, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen..." (Luke 24:5-6)

Peter and John rushed to the tomb, and found that it was empty, but they did not yet understand.

At last, their slain master appeared to them, alive and well.  He had a physical body; he was not just a spiritual manifestation. (Luke 24:39-43)  While he had died, not even death was enough to defeat the Son of God.  His enemies had mocked him, saying that he could not save himself... but he did save himself.

Nothing was ever the same after.  There is much that could be said about the resurrection, and the power of Christ to deliver.  The bold faith and leadership of the Apostles was completely renewed, and the world was changed as the teachings of Christ were spread throughout the world.  But perhaps one of the most important elements of the story is the answer to the question what if the worst should happen?  The answer is that nothing is beyond his power.  Nothing is too hard for him to make right.

If the worst should happen,

Christ will heal every wound,
Christ will mend every broken heart,
Christ will purge every wrong,
Christ will revoke even death...

He will save us all.

Courage and Common Sense

One of the most famous stories of courage is when young David, son of Jesse, stood against the titanic Goliath of Gath.  David had no armor, and no large weapons, and his very appearance was taken by the giant as an insult.

"And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." (1 Samuel 17:42-44)

David had confidence that the strength and experience of this massive man of war was no match for the power of the Lord... and he did not cower away at the giant's threats:

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

The scriptures indicate that David then ran toward the giant.  Using his sling, he knocked Goliath down, and then finished the job with the Philistine's own sword.

Perhaps one of the reasons this story is so popular is because it shows that there is no problem too big for the Lord to solve.  The righteous have no need to fear, because God will protect them, and even if he doesn't, he will make things right in the end.  Confederate General Stonewall Jackson said:

"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."

A story that is far less famous from the life of David came later, as he fled from the wrath of jealous King Saul:

"And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?" (1 Samuel 21:10-15)

Instead of boldly announcing that the Lord would overcome the Philistines in Gath, he pretended insanity to be ignored by them.  Where was the courage of his youth?

Of course, here was a situation in which common sense was required.  With no safe refuge in his home, he needed to be able to go unnoticed in the land of the Philistines.

Perhaps the contrasting circumstances led the preacher to conclude this:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3 1-8)

Being able to know what God wants by hearing his voice (Matthew 16:17) or by recognizing his servants (Matthew 10:41) is critical in knowing what is right.  When the will of God is being discovered, God expects his children to use common sense (1 Kings 19:11).  When a man learns what God would have him do, let that man's heart be filled with confidence and courage (1 Nephi 3:7).

Humility and Confidence

Jesus was an enemy of pride.  He was frequently approached by scribes and Pharisees who wanted to assert their superiority by trying to point out flaws in Jesus or his disciples.  They were concerned about unwashed hands (Matthew 15:2) and Sabbath day rules adherence (Matthew 12:10), but only because they sought to elevate themselves above the followers of Christ.  Jesus warned about this behavior by giving this parable:

"When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11, emphasis added)

Their are numerous examples of people who believed that they were better than they were being put down.  Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, believed that he was entitled to the service of the Hebrew children, even after enduring great plagues.  Only his complete defeat in the depths of the Red Sea stopped him. (Exodus 14)  Saul believed he did not need to wait for Samuel to administer in priestly ordinances. (1 Samuel 13)  Haman believed that the king wanted to bestow honors upon him rather than Mordecai, and ultimately found himself hanging on the gallows he had prepared for the man he hated. (Esther 6-7)

As much as God despises a proud heart (Proverbs 6:16-17), he is not desirous that his children be depressed or that they hate themselves or that they fail to believe they can be successful.  Consider the story of Jonah.  His disbelief that he could succeed in preaching the word of the Lord to the people of Nineveh led him to try to escape from God by boarding a ship to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:3)  Even after being humbled in the belly of a big fish for three days, he did not believe that his preaching would be successful, and when they repented, he became angry. (Jonah 4:1-3)  Though he had been humbled to the point that he recognized the power of God, he prayed for his own death.  His self-loathing was answered by God with a lesson.  The Lord explained that he had never wanted to destroy Nineveh, but that the people there were valuable to him.

Here is the dilemma with which many people struggle.  On the one hand, people are reminded that they are nothing next to God.  Consider the teachings of King Benjamin:

"And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you." (Mosiah 2:25)

On the other hand, people are reminded that they are loved and valued by God.  Consider the teaching of Paul:

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)

In one case, we are asked not to glory in ourselves, and in the other case, we are reminded that we are the work and glory of God.  It can seem as though God is simultaneously saying "you're worthless" and "you're priceless."

Is it possible to be humble, and to be confident?  Is it possible to show faith and courage without developing pride?

One of the best examples of this very thing can be found in Gideon.  He was called by God a "mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12), but he described himself as being poor, and the least of his father's house.  Notwithstanding his reservations, he acted with courage as the Lord directed him to destroy the altar of Baal.  Though there were some who sought his life, the Lord protected him.

Gideon did not presume to think that he was infallible, even after being called by God, he wanted to ensure that he was doing the will of God.  He prayed and asked the Lord to confirm that he was doing his will by two signs involving fleece and morning dew.  One night, the fleece of wool was soaked with moisture and the land was dry, and the next night, the fleece was dry and the land was wet, just as he asked.

While seeking signs is typically a sign of wickedness and faithlessness (Matthew 12:39), Gideon was not demanding that God prove himself, he was seeking to know that he was following God.  This is the type of request to which James referred when he said "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

Humility can be demonstrated by seeking God's guidance through prayer.  A humble person is one who recognizes the value of omniscience above their own wisdom.

Ultimately, Gideon's most famous victory came when he whittled his army down to 300 men, sending home any who were afraid, and then those who did not lap water as they drank like animals. (Judges 7:4-7)  These three hundred men spread themselves in the camp of the Midianites, and then cried out "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!" (Judges 7:19-23)  The enemies of Israel slew one another in the confusion, and Gideon prevailed.

Sneaking into an enemy camp is certainly not a plan for the faint of heart.  Had they been discovered too soon, the Midianites would have slaughtered them.  Even executing the plan correctly, they ran the risk that the Midianites would be disciplined enough to recognize friend from foe.  The most important element of these 300 men was their faith that God would deliver them.

Humility can be demonstrated by faithful obedience to his counsel.  This does not mean cowering or doubting, but rather, it means acting with confidence that God is able to protect and aid those who follow him.

There are certainly times in which good people are not protected.  Innocents are hurt.  Prophets have been mocked and thrown out.  Jesus Christ himself was betrayed and murdered.  In the end though, God will prevail.

This truth does not mean it is a good idea to go to others and assert superiority to them.  It does not mean that one person's struggles make them inferior to those who seem not to have struggles.  The idea is that everyone needs God.  In spite of the miraculous victory of Gideon, after his death, the people returned to idolatry, and the protection of the Lord was withdrawn, and many died in a power struggle. (Judges 9)  Those who set themselves up above others were put down.

Confidence is not the same as pride.  It is possible to have confidence in the Lord, and in the words of his prophets and apostles without asserting superiority over others.  Just as it was with Gideon, strength does not come from comparing oneself with others, it comes from ensuring that a person is doing the will of God, and then being confident that God will make everything right.  That is the "sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!"... it is that those who exalt themselves shall be abased, and those who humble themselves shall be exalted.