09.19.07
“WILLING TO DIE!”
Acts 7:59-60
“While they were stoning him, Stephan prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
I think it was back in 2002 when the world read of the death on June 9th of Martin Burnham, in the Philippines. What was not reported by the world press was the spiritual nature of his sacrifice. I received a message which was from one of the missionaries who served with him.
Martin’s wife, Gracia, who survived the ordeal, told about their abduction and being held hostage for more than a year. During that time, Martin was a living example of Jesus Christ to his captors. Each night as they chained him to a tree, he spoke kindly to them and wished them a good night’s sleep. He was even able to confront, eye to eye, the commander of these rebels, and share that one day he would have to appear before Jesus Christ and answer for his sins. That, my friend, is courage!
On their last day together before his death, Martin was sharing with Gracia about the time they had been held hostage. He said that it was a hard year, but a good year and that even if they did not get out alive, they could still serve the Lord with gladness. Wow!
There are reports from many parts of the world that Christians have been, and even now, called to give their lives for the sake of Christ. It is not something that is easy or that comes naturally, but when the time comes, God is there to supply His grace. Such was the case with Stephan in today’s Scripture.
As I read these comments of one who endured rigors and hardships, I think of the many times we have used excuses to keep from serving the Lord. We are too busy for prayer, too tired to read and study God’s Word, too shy to tell others about Christ, too - - too - - too! Always some excuse not to do for the Lord what He says for us to do.
Here is a chilling report from several years ago about the death of a Christian student in Kashmir. Here is the message:
“With deep sadness we inform you that a student from our GFA Bible school in Indian-controlled Kashmir has been murdered. Details are still sketchy, but our missionaries and field leaders believe that local Muslim extremists are responsible for his death.
The slain brother belonged to a group of GFA Bible school students who are ministering among the tens of thousands of refugees fleeing the Pakistan/India border under the threat of war. Although the senior GFA leader who oversees the Kashmir region had instructed all of our missionaries and students to leave the area, 47 of them chose to stay behind and be a witness for the Lord. Even now they are scattered along the border areas of Kashmir, preaching the Gospel to the refugees and assisting them in practical ways.
These students are studying at a GFA Bible school located just five kilometers from the Pakistan border, where there has been much unrest almost daily. Before the Afghan war prompted by 9/11, few Muslim extremists were creating strife in the area. Since then, however, dozens of groups like Al-Qaeda have moved in and are causing much unrest. Recently some GFA missionaries narrowly escaped death when a bus they had just stepped off of exploded.
To date, GFA native missionaries have planted many churches and mission stations in Kashmir, a predominately Muslim area. Please pray for God’s protection for these dear believers and our GFA brothers as they face strong persecution. And continue to pray for peace between India and Pakistan. Millions of lives are at stake.”
We certainly can pray for the situations around the world, but we have our own mission field. That field is right where we are. It is with the members of our family, our friends, the people we work with, our neighbors, the clerks in stores—you name it—if they are near us, we can show the love of Jesus by our actions.
Oh—there is also the matter of worshiping together with fellow believers. How is it that we have time for play, rest, chores, etc., but cannot squeeze in the time to gather with other believers to worship? You will have to come up with an answer to that one yourself when Christ asks you. Good luck!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil