"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." 

A couple of definitions may be helpful: 

Martyr:  A person who chooses to suffer or die rather than give up his faith or his principles; person tortured or killed because of his beliefs. 

Courage:  The attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it; quality of being fearless or brave; valor. 
 
 

Let’s face it … serving God takes courage!  Jesus, in Matthew 5:10-12, states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Is this the kind of blessing we want to sign up for?  I hope so!  But it has a cost, as illustrated by the traditions concerning the deaths of the apostles Jesus appointed to begin the ministry.  Tradition tells us that they were all martyrs except John, and he was boiled in oil! 

When John saw the vision of the 5th seal being opened it really affected him.  He saw the souls of the martyrs under the altar.  They were at the foot of the altar in heaven, at the feet of Christ!  They may have died to this life, but they still are alive.  Persecutors can only kill our body, but beyond that, we are safe from them.  God provides a beautiful eternity for those who are faithful unto death.  Being a martyr does not save us.  Jesus paid that cost! But many have had -- and will have -- to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ. 

If you or I were God we would probably just zap our enemies and make this world be a Utopia.  But God has chosen not to do that.  However, the Lord will comfort His servants during their trials.  When and if you or I are required to lay down our lives, God will provide the strength we need. 

When the 6th seal was opened as described in Revelation 6, there was a great earthquake. The foundations of the world are shaken.  These are bold figurative descriptions of great changes that symbolically declare the end of the world and the Day of Judgment!  Dread and terror will seize on all everyone!  No matter how important, rich, brave or strong a person is, it will not save them from the terror of God’s judgment!  The high and mighty wants to hide from God! 

Christ is a gentle Lamb, but He can be angry, and this shows the wrath of the Lamb, which is a thing to be feared!  Consider this:  when our Redeemer who Himself appeased the wrath of God, becomes our enemy, where will we find a friend to plead for us?  Each person has a day of opportunity and a season of grace.  But if we ignore it, then we will have to face God on His day of righteous wrath.

Idolaters are described as hiding themselves in their dens and secret caves, trying to find a way to escape destruction.  Christians are to boldly confess the message of Christ and His salvation.  And this declaration will cause satanic wrath to be outpoured upon us!  We may have to endure the contempt of others.  But this will be for a short season.  The shame and punishment in hell is everlasting!

When the bishop of Madras was touring India, he was introduced to a young slave girl who was an outstanding witness for the Lord.  By her quiet persistence in telling others of Jesus and His love, she had won many to Christ.  As the bishop looked at her, he saw that her face, neck, and arms were badly scarred.  She had received many beatings for her faithful testimony.  With tears in his eyes he asked, "Child, how could you bear this brutality?" Somewhat surprised, she replied, "Aren't you glad if you can suffer for Christ, sir?"  Her humble response spoke to his heart.  It reminded him that if one is true to the Savior, he should expect ridicule and even harsh treatment from the world.
 

God calling to us today. Deep down we probably already know what he wants from you, as illustrated in the following story from Sunday Sermons.