“It was too easy to die for what was good or beautiful, for home or children or a civilization—it needed a God to die for the half-hearted and the corrupt.” – Graham Greene
It is incredible to me that God, instead of erasing the evil in the world, decided to come down and suffer with it in the midst of great persecution.
When I was studying the early Church in college, I had a series of dreams. We made sure to study just how stubborn these believers were in their resolve. Persecuted and openly murdered, these saints wavered not. Many of us might have heard the tales of how the disciples were tormented and killed (except John) for their belief in a redeeming God above the cultural fad of idols. What I appreciated about my college experience is how we were able to dialogue about those who were found not to be as strong. These were the ones who crashed under relentless pressure of the tyranny of men. This is the side of the story we miss but unfortunately have the most in common with. Seeing myself in them, I dreamt multiple nights of how I would respond. Night after night it consumed and broke my heart as I was faced with immense pressure to surrender and did.
And then I remembered Peter. Here is a guy that not only gave in but did so when Jesus was still around and could have used some assistance. Yet, not only was he restored but he was granted a unique role in the early Church. The same guy who failed in persecution was made the rock. We as Christians have a unique family history of human failings and divine miracles. This again must bring us to the revelation of grace and the power of the Christ we serve. It is not of our own merits but the merits of God on which we tread upon. The “no” of man is overshadowed by the giant “YES” of Christ.
I know church persecution is not necessarily what you want to hear about on a bright Wednesday morning but perhaps this is because it reminds us more of our own failings than the great success of Calvary – that our response is not bigger than His redemption. While many would use the early Church experience to question our commitment, we must use this same history as a testament of the final Word of God. In this we may bask. In this we have victory.
*I would be remised if I didn’t recognize the great persecution the Church is under today. Last year, it was estimated that 90,000 Christians were murdered for their faith. This translates to one every six minutes. This should break our heart. May we pray for the Global Church and seek to strengthen the American Church who has been granted incredible freedom and resource. Lord, grant us mercy.
Matt simon blog 