We finish the week with another look at the martyrs of the early church. In chapter 12 Herod has James killed, and when the crowds seem to like that he also arrests Peter with the intention of killing him as well. As we enter our Memorial Day weekend when our nation pauses to give thanks for those service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our freedom, I think it is wise for us to remember the martyrs of the Christian faith. The list begins with Stephen and James, but it doesn't end there. For a deeper look you may want to read Fox's Book of Martyrs.
Here is a little known statistic for you: there have been more people killed for their Christian faith in the 1900's than in all of the previous centuries combined. That's right, more saints killed for believing in Jesus from 1900 - 1999 than from Stephen in 33 AD until 1899. Hard to believe isn't it? The problem we have in believing this amazing statistic is that we have lived through a time of relative freedom and peace in this hemisphere. While Christians are being killed in Korea and China we complain about the temperature in the sanctuary, the color of the hymnals and the preachers choice of attire.
Chapter 12 is the account of God miraculously preserving peter in the face of great odds, and the ultimate death of Herod.
Take time this weekend to consider your place in the Kingdoms plans and remember the saints who have lived and died to preserve the faith we hold dear.
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
6 comments:
This is definitely a new way for me to look at Memorial day. Bill, the statistics that you mention are just incredible and they certainly help me to view the world's situation in a different light. Sometimes I get wrapped up in imagining what it was like during Bible times, how hard it would have been to stand up for Jesus at the threat of crucifixion and to spread the word about him after his death at the threat of imprisonment. These things are all important to understand, but sometimes I forget that similar events still happen. I also tend to overlook the fact that even I have been afraid to speak about my own beliefs at times. In college, it is especially hard to find anyone to relate to as a Christian. Many times I feel completely alone on campus as I search for other followers of Christ to talk to.
While critiquing other student's artwork, I have had several class discussions sway in opposition to Christianity. Many teachers are also vocal about their distaste for the subject. I must keep reminding myself that I am truly not alone and that, even if no one else seems to be, God is always on my side.
Hi Sara,
I remember the conflicts at college. I left Houghton - a Christian college atmosphere and attended SUNY Utica Rome my junior and senior years. I found SUNY to be a hostile place for the gospel, but the Christians I did find were brave and genuine.
Is there a BASIC group or any other fellowship on campus where you are? I will pray for you as you shine your light in a not so comfortable place.
Bill
Yes, there is a BASIC group that I did attend several times. It is a wonderful group of people. However, it's mostly through being a YL leader that I have been able to find a strong group of Christians on campus. There have been three other leaders that I have been able to see around campus quite often. Throughout college I definitely have gained confidence as a Christian and it has a lot to do with this small, yet strong support group. It is a comforting feeling to know that they are there facing the same struggles. Situations in class when I feel so alone are when I remind myself of God and these brothers and sisters in Christ who are on my side!
There used to be a saying in the last field of my employment.
It used to be said that most family businesses that were started by hard-working men and women are eventually turned over to their children and then grandchildren who tend to be spoiled and sometimes selfish.
Now I know this is not the case with every business or with every family, but I have seen it in some.
The hard work was done generations before, and by the time the "kids" take over they may tend to take customers and employees as well as their own business for granted.
I have seen businesses go under because of this philosophy.
I wonder if sometimes I am one of those "kids" when it comes to Christianity.
Am I taking it for granted?
Have I become spoiled and lazy?
My life is not in danger for proclaiming my faith in this country - I should be more zealous in sharing the Word with others...but sometimes I take the easy way out.
Shame on me.
I agree, PB, we should praise and honor all the past and present saints that have and are making the BIG sacrifices for the Kingdom of God.
May I die to myself a little more each day and become the vessel God wants me to be.
Wow, all of you made such great comments on this passage. I noticed as I was reading Acts 12 that even the guards who were cross-examined about Peter's disappearance had to die because they were "not telling the truth." Isn't that crazy? Today, how could we prove that an angel bailed someone out of jail? Yeah...I don't think CSI tests for that.
We are so lucky to be experiencing our faith in such safe terms. Sara makes a valid point - we are persecuted by many, but deep down, we're not alone. We are loved by an amazing God who is loved by many.
But - it makes you wonder - would we be doing the same thing if it was something that was persecuted by physical brutality or death? Wow, talk about faith!
MW, I really like the way you put it. Many, many before us have suffered to keep Christianity alive, and we tend to take that for granted every day as we are able to have our Jesus fish on the car and our crosses around our necks.
How about that? God, you're amazing.
I pray that we'll be humble in our freedom of faith...
G'night all,
Marshall
I laugh at Rhoda not remembering to actually open the door for Peter in her excitement.
Also, I did look up more about King Herod online - other early Christian writers have him dieing in exile after trying to get more power. At any rate, not dying with all the glory he wanted, I'm sure.
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