It was with gut-wrenching horror that I watched the video of 21 Coptic Christians being forced to kneel on a Libyan beach before being beheaded by terrorists. Later, I learned that a relative of some of the men who were killed said that many of them cried out the name of Jesus with their dying breath—a testimony to their faith in Him. Though the terrorists had hoped for the opposite effect, they had actually strengthened the faith of the Coptic Church by proving that even imminent death couldn’t snatch away their brothers’ love for Christ!
This story of modern-day martyrs mirrors the story of early martyrs like Stephen. He bravely stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:54)—men who wanted to kill him and who were directly responsible for the death of Jesus (Matthew 26:59). Stephen could have kept his mouth shut and maybe made it through with a beating or even a warning. But instead, he testified that he saw Christ standing at the “right hand” of the Father (Acts 7:56). Given how dangerous Stephen’s situation was, this suggests that he truly saw an amazing sight that day!
The story of Stephen is mirrored by the story of many other martyrs over the centuries who have chosen to die rather than renounce their faith in Christ. They, like Stephen, must have “seen something” in Jesus and the Scriptures that led them to give up their lives. I’m encouraged by this fact: They felt so convinced of the Lord’s resurrection that they chose to die rather than recant.
But this challenges me as well: Have I “seen something” worth living and dying for? Something that even in the face of death, I would never take back? I hope and pray that should that day come, the answer is a resounding yes!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 4:43-54
More:
Read Hebrews 11:35-38 for a powerful description of prophets and martyrs who gave up their lives for their faith in God.
Next:
Have you ever been challenged to reject or at least be silent about your faith in Jesus? How did you respond? Have you seen something so true that you would be willing to live or die for it?
Gary Shultz on June 22, 2016 at 6:01 am
Peter, this is a continuation of yesterday’s thought. I know Gagirl does more informational study with these events; however, I think every believer should examine their heart. The picture was brutal, but our God is worth the sacrifice and we will have to be convinced of that worth. I also think from God’s perspective death is not the obstacle we see it as, He has a much better view and is able to use death as well as life to serve His purposes. I will also tell you I think the day is coming when “the men will be separated from the boys” and that statement includes all genders. A time where lip service will not pass the test of faith. Faith means something to those who are paying a high price for it. Those are my thoughts Peter, may God give us strength and courage to stand for the faith. Thanks.
gagirllive on June 22, 2016 at 8:13 am
Amen, Gary!
hsnpoor on June 22, 2016 at 11:48 am
Gary, when I read your first sentence, I was thinking exactly the same thing; a continuation of yesterday’s devotion. Both are very thought provoking, as well they should be. It puts me in mind of the statement that “we are not really ready to live, until we’re ready to die” (I don’t know who that quote is attributed to; does anyone know?) and the classic Jim Elliott quote that “he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose”….. no truer word I know said by a mere mortal man. I’m so grateful he was able to articulate it before his death and that God, in his providence, preserved it for future generations as a touchpoint of truth and encouragement.
jef on June 22, 2016 at 7:48 am
God’s grace is enough in whatever situation you find yourself in. Until we’re in such circumstance we can’t wrap our minds on what it feels like. Escaping such a situation may also embolden our faith like Feodor Dostoevsky who escaped execution for a treason charge said, ” If anyone proved that Christ was outside the truth ….. then I’d prefer to remain with Christ than with the truth. “
gagirllive on June 22, 2016 at 8:14 am
Amen, jef!
hsnpoor on June 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Isn’t it great that Dostoevsky’s propositional choice could never come to pass because Jesus said he is The Truth; they are one and the same, inseparable? John 14:6. Hallelujah! Jef, so timely you would mention good old Feodor. One of my co-workers brought in a bunch of paperbacks to give away. One was Crime & Punishment, which I’ve always wanted to read and never have. I haven’t cracked it open yet, but that’s the plan…:)
gagirllive on June 22, 2016 at 8:12 am
Thank you, Peter, for writing on this subject. Sadly, it’s not addressed enough, in my humble opinion. We have family members who are living daily under extreme persecution that oftentimes leads to martyrdom, and most of us carry on without at least one prayer for them. Maybe I’m being judgemental toward the Church. So be it. It’s what I see and it irks me. While we are arguing over the color of the carpet, our family members are getting their heads cut off! (Okay…sorry for that little rant.) Hebrews 13: 3 tells us, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” It is past time the church woke up to the spiritual realities that we are facing. We are in a war. Most likely, we will be fellow prisoners and sufferers with them to some degree. We’ve never had to truly count the cost of being a disciple of Christ here, but that’s changing. Most of us have lived a pampered faith. I pray that we’re ready for it. I have often thought that living for Christ is harder than dying for Him. I pray that our love and devotion for Christ will cause us to live out our faith no matter the cost. We have a Champion in heaven who has already fought and won the battle for us. When He sees one of His own laying it all down for His sake, He stands up at the Father’s right hand. Amazing! The One seated in His place of honor gives His suffering saints a standing ovation! That’s how much Christ values those who follow Him to the cross. Lord, give us hearts that are devoted to You no matter the cost. May we be willing to give up any and everything to follow You. Thanks again, Peter. Grace and peace to all.
hsnpoor on June 22, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Amen, GAgirl! I so agree that living for Christ is probably harder than dying for Him. I’m not looking to board a death train at this moment, but this world is just becoming less and less attractive and I really do long for my heavenly home (especially after completing that BSF study in Revelation this year). On another note, Sandy sends her thanks and love for everyone’s prayers. She’s better, but needs heart surgery and she’s not yet strong enough to undergo it, so that gives some direction on what is specifically and prayerfully needed. God bless you all!
gagirllive on June 22, 2016 at 2:01 pm
Amen, Kim. I’m longing, too! And thank you so much for the update on Sandy. She is my prayers daily. May the Lord strengthen her and make her ready for this surgery.
Tom Felten on June 22, 2016 at 8:42 am
It’s always encouraged me that even as Stephen experienced such brutal persecution he could see Jesus. What a testimony to the presence of God with us even in the darkest hours, even when we stand up for Him before those threaten us due to our faith in Him. As Jesus said, ““Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
gagirllive on June 22, 2016 at 8:50 am
Amen, Tom. That encourages me too! In the devo I read on the persecuted church, there is always a true story about such a one, and most of them tell of experiencing the manifest presence of Jesus being with them in their darkest moment. He is a Promise-keeper…never leaves or forsake His own!
elegantstarr1 on June 22, 2016 at 9:00 am
Amen, Tom
BearPair on June 22, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Amen, Peter & Tom… that day may be coming a bit sooner than we think. Give us the grace for that moment in time dear Lord!
mistywolf on June 22, 2016 at 12:11 pm
To me it’s been almost a daily reminder that God has us in his hands ; and ultimately his glory will be seen . With everything I’ve been going through the past couple of years there is still that reminder that is needed to keep focused on the Lord. Stephen keeps me there as with any others who have paid that ultimate price.Do I have that conviction in me? Not a bad question, just real.
godlove on June 22, 2016 at 12:15 pm
I’m with you on those questions in the last paragraph, Peter. I don’t think I have been tested in my faith, anywhere close to the region of what those who are physically persecuted go through. I fervently pray that should such a day come, where my faith is challenged, even in the face of death, that I would be able to stand up to the test as well. May the Lord help us and grant us the strength necessary for such situations, as He did for Stephen.