Here are the names of these saints who now reign with Christ. Let us pray that their families receive sufficient grace to help them to hold onto their faith and stand in this time of need.
We declare our commitment by going to church on Sunday, putting a tattoo on our wrist, going to a Christian conference and quoting some verses on social media and yet God knows the commitment of our heart beyond our behavior. Have we really surrendered all, every part of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus? Yes, most of us won't be imprisoned, violently persecuted or killed for our faith, but we all should be ready.
Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes even their own life- such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26-27
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2Timothy 3:12
"I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God...they came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev 20:4
"Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." John 16:2
"If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1Peter 4:16
"There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword..-the world was not worthy of them." Hebrews 11:35-38
This is the Truth of God's Word.
Early Christians were bold and brave, loved sacrificially and lived with purpose empowered by the Holy Spirit, because they knew that Jesus was who He said He was and did what He said He would do. They trusted in the finished work of Jesus. They knew that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil 1:21) Their eyes were turned to Jesus as the things of this earth grew strangely dim. They were fueled by the eternal hope of life with Christ. They were not seeking comfort, approval or security. They lived to bring God glory. They expected suffering.
ISIS meant to cause fear that causes hearts and feet to fail. Yet, God is victorious even when evil seems to cover the earth and darkness is widespread. He "does not desire that any should perish, but everyone come to repentance." (2Peter 3:9) God can make persecution serve the Great Commission. Look at the book of Acts. When persecution comes because of faithfulness to God, God is honored and the gospel spreads.
And yet, how long, O Lord?
