As we live in a land of incredible religious toleration thoughts of physical persecution are often far from our minds.
It can be helpful to remember that people die every day for the sake of the gospel. Think about that for a moment. People give up their lives, they are brutally tortured, they are murdered because of their love for Jesus Christ.
This has been brought to my attention lately as our family has registered at Voice of the Martyrs and have subsequently been recieving their montly magazine reporting on the persecution of the church throughout the world. Registering is free and the montly reminder of the persecuted church is of great benefit.
This issue was also brought to my attention on the blogosphere when this story about martyrs in Turkey was referenced. The article is somewhat graphic but it is also reality.
Here are a couple of things to consider as you reflect on these things:
- How can you pray for and support these persecuted brothers and sisters?
- Are you one who might be called to give your life to missions in a dark and hostile enviroment?
- Is Jesus truly more precious to you than life itself? Is He worth dying for?
- Would you die for the spread of the gospel and the honor of Christ’s name?
- Would your faith in God’s sovereign goodness stand strong through something like this?
The context of our memory verse for this week- Philippians 1:21-23- contains some appropriate words on this subject of persecution, death, and the glory of Christ.
I encourage you to go read Philippians 1:12-26 and reflect on how supremely valuable the advancement of the gospel, the glory of Christ, fruitful ministry, and being with Christ was to Paul.