What Would I Do In Their Place?
This past Sunday my Pastor, David LaChance honored the twenty one Martyrs that gave their life in the name of Jesus Christ.
As I watched the video of these men being brought onto the beach, I looked at each one. I was amazed as I looked at their faces and in their eyes. I truly didn’t see fear. I saw some sadness. I know these men left behind families and as a wife and a mother, I can’t fathom the thought of knowing I will never see my family again. I saw a steadfastness and persevering spirit. I saw men who knew there was no choice. There was no denying Jesus in that moment or ever. I saw a trust and a peace. They knew where they were going.
It brought me back to the book of Daniel, I began reading about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. For those of you who are not familiar with these men, I encourage you to read Daniel Chapter three.
King Nebuchadnezzar had made a statue of gold. This statue was humongous! he commanded that when the people heard the sound of instruments and music, they were to bow down to this statue that the King had set up. If anyone did not bow down, they would be thrown into the furnace of blazing fire.
Our friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were Christians. They served God. God is very clear that we only bow to Him so they refused to bow down to another god.
The King found out about this and had them brought to him. he asked them why they were not bowing down. King Nebuchadnezzar reiterated his command to these men. Their response is one of great faith and trust in the God they served.
They said, “Oh Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
This is the response I saw with these Martyrs.
It has caused me to seek within myself and ask, “What would I do in their place?”.
It is hard to know unless being their but I can say fear wells up within me. I feel sad and angry at the idea that these men died just because they believed in Jesus. I am reminded of the reality of this life, our commitment to Christ and the world we live in.
I know I believe and live that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I pray that my response is what it should be. I know it has caused me to really search my heart. I pray that you allow God to search yours today. We never know what situations we will be in or what today or tomorrow will bring.
As I write this blog, the news is showing that over 70 Christians have been kidnapped by ISIS.
I am a simple girl with a simple heart. I know Jesus is coming back, I don’t know every detail but all I know is I need to be ready. May be ready with the right response.
Lord, I pray for these families who have lost their loved ones! May their faith be stronger and not shaken. I thank you for the example these men set even in death. Lord, search our hearts today and prepare us for all that You have called us to here on earth. I pray for those Christians in different Countries and in the United States, prepare us Lord and may we bold in our faith, no matter what the cost. I thank You that Jesus was willing to pay the cost for us, so we may have a hope, no matter what happens we will love forever with You! Strengthen our faith in You! In Jesus Name! Amen!
