Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
–1 Peter 4:16
A number of years ago when communism had spread across Eastern Europe, a pastor by the name of Joseph in Romania was preaching unwaveringly for Jesus Christ. One day, the government ordered him to register, which would then constrain his ability to share the Gospel. The order was given under the threat of death if he didn’t comply.
The next day, the police asked him if he was ready to comply. They again threatened him with death to which Joseph replied, “I know you can kill me. But do you know what my chief weapon is? Dying. If you kill me, all of my sermons and books will be sprinkled with my blood and will validate everything I’ve said. So go ahead and kill me and let me use my weapon!”
The police didn’t kill Joseph that day. In fact, they thought he was crazy! So he continued preaching and brought many more into the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Joseph was ready to die that day. And the question that’s left hanging is this: What would you do in that situation? In that moment, would you be willing to lay down your life for the sake of the Gospel?
More than ever today, Christians are paying the ultimate price for their faith. And while many of us worship in relative peace, it’s only by God’s grace we haven’t had to make that choice. May we all remain faithful in the work of the Gospel whatever challenges come our way!
REMAIN FAITHFUL IN THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL WHATEVER PERSECUTION COMES YOUR WAY.
