Bravery For Christ Even To Death

They define martyrdom as the suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause and especially to one’s religious faith ⁶. As C.H. Spurgeon said, “if persecution should arise, you should be willing to part with all that you posses – with your liberty, with your life itself, for Christ – or you cannot be His disciple.” ⁵

On this week’s insight, we will discuss the sacrifices we have and had lifted up to God. Moreover, we will reflect on what are we ready to offer for His Glory. And reevaluate our lives and see if we are living up as a disciple of Christ.

Scripture

2 Chronicles 24 & Revelation 11

Overview

2 Chronicles 24 – the chapter talks about the reign of King Joash of Judah and the highlights were on how his reign started under the guidance of Jehoiada. Then his treachery and how he was lead by his people away from God. And ended with his assassination.

Revelations 11 – this part of Revelations spoke about the two witnesses of God during the last days and the events that will happen when the seventh trumpet is sounded.

Observation

2 Chronicles 24:22 ESV "Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge!”

Revelation 11:10 ESV "and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth."

Application

The sacrifices we made for God

In 2 Chronicles, Zachariah asked the people of Judah to consider their sins (24:20) ². He was urging them to look into their ways, which were offensive to God. This call for repentance did not stop in the Old Testament, and even in the New Testament. The cry for ‘metanoia‘ still applies to us today.

As long as there is an alive man on the earth, it needs repentance. This is a good thing, because we still have time to confess our sins to God, who is just and merciful. As long as we sinners, repent and turn away from our evil doings and seek God consistently. He will hear our shout of repentance and forgive us (1 John 1:9).

With this said, the first thing we should sacrifice is our PRIDE. Pride is an attitude that hinders us from confessing our sins, approaching God and asking for His mercy (Proverbs 16:18). Furthermore, pride is the opposite of what God wants us to be. He wants us to follow Jesus’ example of humility.

Other offerings we can lift up to Jesus

When we remove our pride, we will see how undeserving we are for all God’s blessings, grace and attention. We can see clearly how He is holy and we are not (Romans 3:10). In the book of Revelation, we can see how God’s two witnesses offered their life to serve God. There will be a moment in each of our lives that we will have to do the same.

It might not be a physical death, like what the martyrs have experienced, but a death from our old sinful self (Galatians 2:20). Our previous self that is so attached to the world. The old man that loves all that is evil and do acts that is unpleasing to God’s eyes (Ephesians 4:22).

Another thing we can offer is being able to conquer fear and selfishness by witnessing to others what Jesus has done for you. It will take a lot of courage and boldness to share this to others, especially to unbelievers. But, as it says in Mark 16, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (v.15) ².

Reevaluation of life’s priorities to align with Christ’s

Often in our lives we have an urge to have that pause, so we can reflect and reevaluate our actions, whether it is accomplishments or failures. It is vital that we do this practice in order to see if we are growing or weakening. Here are some, hopefully helpful, questions to see how we are doing in our walk with Christ:

1. Have you confessed your sins to God?
2. Have you repented and turned away from your sins?
3. Are you ways in line with God’s will?
4. How often do you speak with God and read his words?
5. How attached are you in this world?
6. Are you willing to serve Christ? Even unto death?

More reflective question is on Daily Devotionals

Prayer

Almighty Father, who is our Lord and deserve everything that we can offer. We thank you for Your attention and grace. Especially for the gift of salvation that Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross. We ask for Your forgiveness on our sins (name your sins). Also, we ask the Holy Spirit to show us any deeds we have done that is unpleasing to You. That way we can confess it and turn away from it.

All these we pray in the saving name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

REFERENCE

¹2012. Chronological Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 

²1989. King James Bible. Thomas Nelson, Inc.

³2010. The MacArthur Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Publishing.

⁵2011 The Evidence Bible: New King James Version. Bridge-Logos, Inc.

⁶https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martyrdom retrieved on 13Dec2020