Philippians
2:17 But even if I am being
poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from
your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
You may not realize it, but the above verse contains some
chilling words. When Paul referred to a drink offering and sacrifice, he was writing
about decapitation, which he expected to occur after he personally made his
appeal to Caesar. He wrote this letter to the Philippian church – a congregation
that he nurtured and loved – from his prison as a dying testimony. He knew that
his chances of survival were slim, but rather than hide it from the church, he
veiled his words in a way that his people would understand what he truly meant.
After the letter was written and dispatched, Paul’s case went to trial and he
was beheaded.
It has always taken a great deal of courage to be a
Christian. Over the centuries, millions of people have lost their lives for
believing in Christ. Around the world today, Christians are still being
persecuted. A recent survey by the Vatican revealed that up to 100,000
Christians of all different denominations are killed every year on our planet. That
is a chilling number which should cause us all to reflect upon on own
commitment to Christ. Is it inconvenient? Does it take a great deal of courage?
Are we under pressure simply because we call ourselves Christians?
Towards the end of May, we traditionally commemorate Memorial Day in the United States.
It is a special day that we set aside to remember the true cost and sacrifices
that have been made by the military to maintain the freedoms we enjoy over
here. It is a somber time for those who truly remember why we hold it, but it
is also a cheerful day for families who freely gather together.
Perhaps as Christians who enjoy a great deal of freedom,
we should also remember the true cost and great sacrifices in the past, as well
as the present, that allows us to both somberly and cheerfully enjoy our faith.
Questions
for personal reflection
How committed am I to Christ and His church? How has
my personal faith been shaped by the lives of Christians in the past?
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, we thank You for the many leaders and people like Paul, who put their
lives on the line, so that we may enjoy our Christian faith today. Help us to
honor their sacrifices by living our lives in faithful and dedicated ways. In
Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please feel free to share
this message with others. John will also be delighted to receive any questions,
comments, or feedback on today’s message. Send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is John’s
drawing for Memorial Day of this year. It’s called Memorial Rose. If you would
like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Rose.
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