Those of us who live in America haven’t experienced the severe persecution that our Christian brothers and sisters endure across the globe.
Our American culture has modified over time. Christianity is the goal for atheists and a few politicians.
But we have now not yet gotten to the purpose of beheading, hanging, burning, and other types of torture just because of our belief within the Lord.
Millions are persecuted annually due to their loyalty to Jesus.
Those converting to Christianity from Islam are rejected by their families, imprisoned, and sometimes executed. Believers held captive by communism never know from daily the threats that await them.
Tradition tells us concerning the suffering among the disciples of Jesus went through as they witnessed to people.
It is claimed that Peter was crucified the wrong way up, John boiled in oil, and Bartholomew skinned alive. James was the primary disciple killed by the sword.
Hebrews lists the hall of religion which incorporates among the saints who left this earth in violent ways.
There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released in order that they may gain a fair higher 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. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was undeserving of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the bottom. (Hebrews 11:35b–38 NIV)
And we, after all, can’t forget all of the afflictions Paul the Apostle underwent due to his change of heart toward Christ. When writing to the Corinthian church, he listed the sufferings he still endured for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23–27).
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs shares stories of other saints who suffered a lot for his or her belief in God’s Son. The accounts in books comparable to these have at times brought fear to me, but additionally questions.
What would I do in this example? I don’t need to live in fear. I need to be true to my Lord.
I extend honor and respect to all victims of persecution. Their allegiance to God is an example to each believer.
One ancient martyr who stands out in my mind is Polycarp. This man with a strange-sounding name bore unbelievable agony, but he never recanted his commitment to Christ.
Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and a Greek bishop of the church in Smyrna within the second century. He survived to the age of 86 before the federal government of Rome killed him.
Persecuting Christians was a national sport on this pagan society. Elevating godlike status to anyone aside from Caesar brought violent opposition against the Lord’s followers.
Wild beasts ripped their bodies apart as the gang cheered and called for the flow of more blood.
Here are 4 ways martyrs remain strong during persecution and the way we are able to follow their example:
1. They Saw the Real Enemy as Satan, Not the People He Uses
Once the guards got here to arrest Polycarp, they were amazed at this man’s age. The day was late and Polycarp set a table before them to eat and drink as much as they desired.
He prayed for 2 hours before they took him away. The power of his prayer caused a few of them to be sorry they’d to deliver him to death.
We should direct our prayers toward defeating our real enemy. When our emotions get entangled, anger can rise and our attention might be drawn to people as a substitute of the spirit behind unsuitable behavior. Abiding in Christ and living in His identity can assist us goal our prayers to defeat evil.
For our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil within the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
2. They Looked Forward to the Reward Instead of Focusing on Adversity
As Polycarp entered the stadium where death awaited him, he heard a voice, “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the person.”
When Paul knew his time on earth was coming to an end, he reminded the Philippians that his goal had all the time been on elevating Christ and never the painful parts of his life. He pressed toward the prize that awaited him (Philippians 3:14).
We are victorious when our minds think concerning the advantages of following Christ as a substitute of temporary earthly suffering.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you due to me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the identical way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11–12)
3. They Placed More Importance on Jesus Than Their Own Lives
Polycarp faced the magistrate and withstood the persuasion to swear allegiance to Caesar. His response was, “Fourscore and 6 years I actually have been His servant, and He has done me no unsuitable. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
Those who faced the alternative of a brief reprieve or dying for Christ could withstand this pressure because they spent a while in tribulations with nothing but Him.
When Jesus is all we have now we realize nothing else matters.
He needs to be more necessary than anything on a regular basis. But the comforts of life can inhibit our commitments. Complacency may replace consistency and advantages could also be taken as a right.
We haven’t yet experienced life without the liberty to worship as we please.
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life on this world will keep it for everlasting life. (John 12:25)
4. They Held God’s Word in High Esteem
The threat of untamed beasts brought this from Polycarp’s mouth. “Call for them; for the repentance from higher to worse is a change not permitted to us; nevertheless it is a noble thing to vary from untowardness to righteousness.”
We are surrounded by influences that seek to attract us away from holy virtues. Truth is absolute. And God is the just one with truth. All others are only opinions.
Social media, entertainment, politics, and news can’t solve the ills of the world. Only once we follow the mandates of Scripture can we have now the answer to any problem that faces us.
When the Bible is our only authority, we may have the ammunition to face strong within the face of persecution.
I actually have not departed from the commands of His lips; I actually have treasured the words of His mouth greater than my day by day bread. (Job 23:12)
How Can We Help Those Who Are Persecuted All Over the World Today?
Pray they will remain strong. Ask for them to receive Bibles and have their physical needs met.
Give to organizations comparable to Voice of the Martyrs that assist suffering saints in a large number of nations.
Pray for his or her enemies. We can ask for his or her strength to reflect light to the persecutors.
We can hope for miraculous intervention for release from prisons and escape from hardship. But even when these items don’t occur, we are able to pray that those in difficult situations will remain confident that heaven has not abandoned them.
Our Inspiration
As the times grow darker and persecution comes our way, may we remember the Savior’s light shines with rays of hope. He promised to never leave us or forsake us.
Of course, Jesus is our perfect inspiration of devotion and obedience under stress. He accomplished the goal of salvation for all mankind because He fulfilled the need of His Father even through death.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of religion. For the enjoyment set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the precise hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
When we deal with Jesus and never the unknown future, we have now the peace of mind of the Comforter’s presence.
He will recall to mind what we’d like to know. His power resides in us as believers and is bigger than any obstacle we may face.
May we be blessed with the religion of a martyr.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Klebercordeiro
