"Live Free or Die" has been the official motto of the State of New Hampshire since 1945. In 1971, the NH state legislature mandated that the phrase appear on all non- commercial license plates, replacing "Scenic." This sparked controversy. The phrase was adopted from a toast written by General John Stark, New Hampshire's most famous soldier of the Revolutionary War in 1809. Poor health forced Stark to decline an invitation to an anniversary reunion. Instead, he sent his toast by letter: "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils." People would be shocked at the sentiment for death is considered the greatest of evils today. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld correctly observes that our two biggest fears are dying and making public speeches. Which one is greater? Public-speaking, believe it or not. That means most people would rather be in the box at a funeral than up in the pulpit delivering the eulogy! "It is a poor thing to fear that which is inevitable," remarked Tertullian. The fear of death is huge. It is the elephant in the room. Man is the only creature who knows he's going to die and is desperately trying to forget it. Jesus came to this earth and took on flesh to destroy the works of the devil. He came to deliver those who feared death, who all of their lifetime were in bondage. Beloved, you are not truly ready to live until you're no longer afraid to die. Jesus came to deliver you from that bondage of fear. Because the best thing, the greatest thing of your entire existence, which will never end, is being with Jesus and His people if you are his. Resurrection truth takes us from sorrow and fear to hope, joy and eager expectation if we die in Christ!
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David Bodanza is the pastor of Mission of Grace Church in Massachusetts. He is also a practicing lawyer. He holds an M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a J.D. from New England School of Law. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, four children and four...
