Martyrs and Martyrdom
Martyrs and Martyrdom
News flashes often display the utter depravity of mankind.
As we hear about the slaughter of Christians all over the world, what should we as fellow believers do? What can we do?
Some of us have open doors to speak to leaders, but all of us have been given an open door where we can boldly go before the Leader—The Sovereign King of Kings.Many times when I see news reports I also see revelatory videos or pictures of people to pray for: specific individuals He is directing me to pray for in that moment. We find this kind of Holy Spirit revelation in the account of Ananias and Paul in Acts 9. I trust He is directing them as I pray according to His revelation.
Throughout the Bible we read of martyrs: people who were put to death for their allegiance to the One true God. Hebrew 11 summarizes many of their stories. Some of these martyrs were offered deliverance, but instead chose martyrdom:
Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Hebrews 11:35
There is a unique resurrection and reward awaiting those who suffer martyrdom for the Lord Jesus. It is a mystery as to what exactly this unique resurrection is, but these martyrs in Hebrews saw something we only read about.
I pray for deliverance for our persecuted brothers and sisters; I pray for strength to endure; I pray for routes away from those who seek to kill them; I pray for those who will be martyred to be given grace to see beyond their pain and fear into the glory that awaits them. In this way we can give them a cup of cold water in His Name.
As you see news reports, pray. And as you pray watch. Is there a specific person or group of people the Holy Spirit is directing you to pray for? Let’s pray with eyes wide open to God who sees and hears.
