REMEMBERING THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS OF OLD (PART 1)
TEXT:
"So think carefully about how Jesus lived on earth. Bad people did very bad things against him, but he continued to be strong. Think about him, and then you will not become weak as Christians. You will not stop trusting God. You have been fighting against sin in your lives. But you have not yet had to fight like that until someone killed you." (Hebrews 12 verses 3 to 4, EASY Version).
This Scripture was a prophecy of what would eventually come to pass when Christians were vigorously persecuted for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Here, the Holy Spirit was exhorting the Church that there was great danger of being disheartened and worn out by the opposition which would come to them. In this regard, Jesus, the Lord remains our Perfect Example in the faith. The best means of leading a faithful Christian life, in the midst of opposition, is to keep the eye steadily fixed on the Saviour. In addition, let's never forget to emulate the "cloud of witnesses" before us (see Hebrews 12 verse 1) and the numerous lots that have paid the supreme price, holding forth as Christians.
As we recount the sufferings and the various persecutions of the Christian Martyrs of old, from the shed blood of Stephen to the blood of thousands of Christians shed all over the world, including those in Nigeria, let's be stirred in our spirits towards living right for the Lord, even in these last days.
Each time I recollect the inconceivable enormity with which these Martyrs were persecuted and most times put to death, and again how they stood up in faith undaunted, receiving their ordeals with extraordinary courage, I shiver. At such moments, what comes to my mind is that there is something obviously amis about the Christians of this age. In other words, I think that there's something the old saints possessed which we currently lack.
Most times, I wonder if it's not this same Bible that we have that was preached to them. These Christians of old believed in Jesus without reservations. It's not the lip service, bread and butter, seed sowing and reaping kind of Christians we have today. The saints of old stood gallantly ready, coupled with "joy unspeakable" (see 1st Peter 1 verse 8) as they went through shame, persecution and even the most painful kind of death.
What I discover as missing in our case today is the lack of love for the Master! While the saints of old saw the Lord Jesus Christ as "evidently set forth, crucified" among them (see Galatians 3 verse 1) culminating in their precious salvation for which they hold no suffering or painful death as too much to be endured. On our part, we see Him very remotely and far-fetched, with little or no appreciation for the love and kindness the Lord has shown unto us. What a pity!
Let me show you the example of Apostle Peter. Like most other Martyrs, his death was not recorded in the Holy Writ. He was said to have been condemned to death, and crucified at Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. It was said that when the brethren at Rome perceived that the Emperor sought issues against Peter to put him to death, they entreated him to flee the city. It is said that initially, Peter refused to do so, but following much entreaty, he was eventually persuaded to flee the city. But, coming to the city gate, he saw the Lord Jesus Christ coming to meet him, to whom he (Peter) worshiping, said, "Lord, whither dost Thou go?" Jesus answered and said, "I am come again to be crucified." Having understood what the Lord meant (see John 21 verses 18 to 19), he returned into the city and surrendered himself. It is said that he was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself so demanding, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified in the same form and manner as the Lord was.
Next, as the Lord tarries, we shall talk about other Martyrs, including Timothy, a deacon of Mauritania and Maura his wife.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I love You with all of my being. I appreciate and thank You for all You have done for me. In return, I yield my life completely unto You, so help me Lord.