Hebraic Musing – Are you ready?
We traditionally
think of the word martyr as someone who gave their life for a cause they
believe in. Does the Bible define all
true Christians as Martyrs? Consider this quote: “Yes, and all
who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2
Timothy 3:12 NKJV How many martyrs does the Bible describe?
Abel was the first
martyr we find in the Bible, one of the sons of Adam and Eve. Abel did right, but his brother, Cain, did
not agree and killed Abel out of jealousy!
Abel trusted God. Are there those
who do not like us because of our trust in God?
Are we friends only because we think alike?
Zechariah, Jesus tells us
that Zechariah (the prophet) was killed between the temple and the altar as he
was ministering. Jesus warned us! “I will send
them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’
that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of
the world may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel
to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple.
Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.”
Luke 11:49-51. Zechariah was killed by
stoning. He was killed by those who
wanted to re-create God into their own image.
Sound familiar?
John the Baptist was the first New
Testament martyr that we know of. He was
killed by Herod who had imprisoned John because of John’s disapproval of the
king’s divorce for the purpose of marrying his sister-in-law. John had spoken up in Matthew 14:4. “Because
John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” John paid the price for speaking the truth!
Stephen boldly preached
the Gospel. He clearly called out those
who put Jesus on the cross. This did not
make the religious leaders happy. What
truth did John speak that offended them?
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always
resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.” Acts 7:51
James was one of two
brothers who, along with Peter, made up the inner circle of disciples. James and John were the sons of a fisherman
named Zebedee. James was killed by King
Herod Agrippa. “Then he killed James
the brother of John with the sword. … because he saw that it pleased the Jews,”
Acts 12:2 He was killed by the sword because
the king was starting to persecute the church.
Is the church being persecuted today?
Two Witnesses that God says
will be killed during the time of the tribulation. They will preach the truth of God for 1,260
days during which time they will be unharmed.
Then they will be killed by the beast in Rev. 11:7-8 as they lay in the
streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days.
People will look on them, dance, and rejoice that they are rid of the
convicting preaching of these witnesses. After that time they will have a bodily
resurrection and ascend into heaven at the command of God. Does the world reject your preaching?
Host of Martyrs in
Heaven were
martyred for the cause of Christ. We are
not to seek martyrdom, but we face it with faith in God and trust in His grace
if that becomes our fate. During the
tribulation time many will be martyred for Christ. In Revelation 6:9-11 the martyrs inquire of
God when their lives will be avenged. God gave them a white robe and they are
told to wait for those who are martyred for Christ for they will be given responsibilities
to reign alongside Jesus during the millennial kingdom. See Rev 20:4
Martyrdom Today. Many around the world are being persecuted
for the cause of Christ. We might be
teased by schoolmates because you go to church on Sunday! Just because your boss won’t let you off for
a religious holiday does not mean you are suffering martyrdom. That’s nothing compared to what is happening
in many places in the world. Think about
the Christians who are killed in their churches around the world simply because
they choose to worship the Christ of the Bible. Real persecution is happening today.
Pray for those who choose to take a
stand for the cause of Christ and suffer because of it.
Key Question –How
should our commitment to the work of the kingdom be like Paul’s? “For I am ready not only to be bound, but
also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
Points
to Ponder
How
much faith do we really have?
In
how many ways might we be martyred, or lose some of life’s freedoms?
Are
we willing to witness our faith in Jesus at risk of offending someone
who might slight us, unfriend us, hurt us, or kill us?
Finally
– Christian, what are you afraid of?
♫ Are you ready?
Are you ready? Are you ready for the judgment day? ♫
Yosef a.k.a. Joe
Brusherd April
22,
2025
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our
faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly “Hebraic
Musings”
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