T
his saying of Jesus can be very daunting in our own day, but in His day it was asking even more. Until the Ro man Emperor Constantine was converted to Christianity in the third century the followers of Jesus were in very great danger if they "went public" about their faith in Him. In fact they were in danger of imprisonment, torture and even death.
The ancients had some very imaginative methods of execution, crucifixion being only one of them. Those who were shown to be Christian believers could be beheaded as Paul was (a so called privelege because he was a Roman citizen!) Famously they could be thrown to the lions which it was arranged would be especialy hungry! No wonder the disciples prayed for boldness to witness.
When the Holy spirit came, it did indeed fill them with holy boldness and at the first Pentecost Peter preached with such zeal that three thousand were converted on the spot. That was really the birth of the church and what foll owed was three centuries of persecution and of course in many parts of the world that persecution continues to this day.
It is said that the seeds of the church were watered with the blood of martyrs and we are told that a very special place is reserved for them in heaven, as they will be the ones robed in white attending on the very throne of God (Rev. 4:13-15)
Martyrdom may indeed be the greatest honour, but for most of us it will be one that we will not be called upon to endure. However we do have to endure, very often, the mockery and disrespect of others in our modern world who see us as what they are pleased to call "religious nuts"
How should we respond to such attitudes? Well Jesus says we should be glad in that day and rejoice for our reward is very great in heaven. Also it goes without saying that as Christians we should continue to love them and pray for them of course.
In what has been called a post Christian era there are many "pre Christians" I am co nvinced. So lets sign up as labourers to the harvest and not be afraid to share our faith at
every opportunity and to explain the Hope that is in us.
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Lord may we always remember that it is better to run the risk of rejection, even from our dear ones on this earth, than risk being rejected by Christ himself when we stand before the Father to be judged by Him. Amen.
