MARTYR: (mär
t
r) n. []
1. One who chooses to suffer death rather than deny Jesus Christ or His work
2. One who bears testimony to truth of what he has seen or heard or knows, as in a witness in a court of justice.
3. One who sacrifices something very important to further the Kingdom of God
4. One who endures sever or constant suffering for their Christian witness
5. A Jesus Freak
(taken from book Jesus Freak by DC Talk)
I’ve been reading this book called “Jesus Freak”. It is a collection of stories of different people since A.D. times (since Jesus’ death and resurrection) who have been martyred for their faith in Jesus. Each story is only but a page or so long, yet each story is truly impeccable.
But we do not understand Martyrs.
Most martyrs could have saved their own lives if they had been willing to deny Jesus.
But they weren’t. That’s what sets them apart.
It seems that every person, no matter their age, even with countless opportunities to just deny their faith and not take on suffering, instead decided to bear the suffering and torment for their faith in Jesus. Almost every person recorded in this book, with their dying breath, cries out not for their own life, but for the life of their TORMENTORS; saying “God, do not hold this sin against them” or “God forgive them” or “God bring mercy on their lives, forgive them, and show them your unfailing love.”
And with his death, died the death we deserved, and forgave us all of our sin.
I found myself asking myself this question.
“Our mission may not include hanging on a cross, being jailed or being burned at the stake
here in America, but we have other, more invisible obstacles.
Ours is a society built by pride, materialism and dedication to status quo.
In a world built on free will instead of God’s will, we must be the FREAKS. we may not be called to martyr our lives; but we must martyr our way of life. We must put our selfish ways to death and march to a different beat. Then the world will see Jesus.” ~ michael tait.
“you may NEVER have to face the decision of whether or not to die for your faith
BUT everyday you face the decision of whether or not you will live for it!”
BUT WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK?????!!
I couldn’t say it any better: “I don’t care. My life is God’s. I’ve crossed the line from innocent bystander to hard-core participant in what Jesus has called me to do. What will people think? I hope, whatever I do, it makes them think of Jesus.”~Michael Tait.
I am a Jesus Freak. I stand with all the martyrs, missionaries and Jesus Freaks around the world today who still face persecution because Jesus means more to them than their own lives or comfort. I trust that God will take the vengeance and justice that is right (Romans 12:19,21).
I pray that i do not value my life as much as I much as I value Him.. I pray i become less and less and He becomes more and more. I do not await my own will, but I will follow as the Lord leads. he says “go”, I go. I pray for faith like Jesus, and these martyrs, to have love instead of hate, and eyes that see the way Jesus does, even to the point of seeing my enemies as people who need Jesus.
This life is not my own.
My life has been paid for with a precious price and perfect sacrifice.
I refuse to live in vain.
I live for Him.
I feel that this is the perfect song:
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as You choose.
::Chorus::
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it’s all for Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour
At Your feet it’s treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
