Martyrdom

Scripture: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this, they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.” (Acts 7:55-57)

In the book of Acts, the first martyr of Christ is recorded, a man named Stephen, who was spreading the Gospel and falsely accused of blasphemy. But before Stephen, were the prophets of the old testament who would speak on God's behalf. Sometimes their words were heeded, and other times, they were hunted down and killed, for the people they were sent to speak to didn't want to be bothered with what God had to say.

These days, you hear the word “martyr” on an almost daily basis, more often on the news regarding radical Islamics involved in suicide bombings, considered “martyrs” for their religion.

Martyrdom. It's a heavy word to consider. It's a scary word. So what exactly is a martyr? In the religious sense, it is one who chooses death rather than renounce religious principles or one who makes great sacrifices or endures much suffering in order to further a belief, cause, or principle. (Source: www.dictionary.com). I found this quote while reading the definition of 'martyr': “One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel; one who is put to death for his religion, as, Stephen was the first Christian martyr.” ~ Chaucer

I can't help but reflect on my own life, faith, and strength of character. None of us ever want to die for our faith, surely. But would you? It's a hard question to face, but in the end, you just really never know how you will react under the worst of circumstances in any event. I used to be deathly terrified of earthquakes up into my twenties. I would be struck by a numbing panic. But in my thirties, something changed, I grew calmer, I thought things out in the midst of the shaking. I didn't panic, but rather, moved with purpose. I wouldn't have known about the change until my reaction had been tested.

Maybe we will never have to face such a circumstance, dying for our faith. I pray we don't. But one thing is sure. Whatever we face in our futures as Christians, no matter how dark it gets, or how strong the enemy seems to become, we have a God that promises to stand with us no matter what. He may not pull us out of our circumstance like a super hero, swooping down at the last second (though He has done similar things in the lives of many people), but He will never leave us nor forsake us, that is a promise. (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 Joshua 1:5)

So what do we do, but continue on the Father's business. Personally, I take comfort in the following scripture: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

Prayer request: Pray for Christians around the world who are suffering for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

Prayer: Lord, we ask for Your protection from adversity. We especially pray for the safety of our missionaries all around the world, who are putting their lives on the line to spread the Gospel. Help us to stand firmly on Your word no matter what happens around us, because ultimately, You are in control. Draw us ever closer to you ever day, and give us strength to stand no matter the circumstance. Amen