Message from Scripture: 8/20/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Rev. 6:9: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God and the testimony they had given.”

 

Our Christian brothers and sisters in the first century faced perilous times simply for wearing the name of Christ, for seeking to live faithful lives for Him. They could be beaten, or arrested, or have their family mistreated, or be executed. As the Hebrew writer reminds us about those recorded in the Old Testament, “Others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground” (Heb. 11:35-38).

 

Paul would add for those of us who live under the new covenant, “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). It may be taking verbal abuse, it may be physical abuse, as some Christians in foreign countries are currently experiencing. What about us? “Oh, that won’t happen to us,” some say. How can we know what the future holds? How can we know how we would respond, in faith or denial, if it happens? Looking at the decisions we make for Christ today, in the relative ease we still have, can offer some clues. Do we take our faith lightly? Do we find it hard to be faithful today where we still have religious freedom, or are we willing to put everything at risk for the name of our Lord? What we prioritize today is how we no doubt would respond then.

 

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, no matter what. God bless.

 

Robert