A Martyrs Purpose

A 29 year old missionary in the Middle East was killed late last night due to his faith in Jesus Christ. He was living in a small community quietly serving the Lord. Although he stood out, he fit in. He had many friends, most of them were not Christians but loved him just the same.

Approximately 2:27 am CST, a militia group (not in affiliation with Al-Qaeda) attacked the community this young man called home. There was no apparent reason for the attack except to "steal, kill, and destroy." The majority of the residents of that community were able to flee with nothing but the shirts on their backs. The dozen or so who were captured were being taken as captives to the militia's compound.

As the other future victims were yelling, cursing, and crying during their death march, the young man calmly obeyed his captors instructions. Not only that, but he would casually attempt to strike up a conversation with them as well. He would ask about their religion and whom they believed in. His questions weren't answered but almost demanded respect for him as he was respecting them.

As they reached the camp, all of the captives (men, women, and children) were set on fire while not only the militia watched, but their family and friends as well. All of the captives except for the young missionary. While he did fit in, he did stand out. The militia soldiers immediately called to attention not the color of his skin, but the peace that had engulfed him.

It wasn't he didn't know the eventual outcome of the early morning raid. He knew his fate would be the same as those around him. This "peaceful difference" screamed at the soldiers. So much so that his demeanor demanded attention. Amidst the blaring sounds, smells, and feeling of fresh death, a few of them asked if he was scared to die.

He told them he didn't want to die but if this was God's will, he knew he would see Him soon. "Who is your God?" was inquisitively brought up by a soldier a bit younger than the missionary. Without a second thought "Jesus Christ" came from the 29 year olds mouth.

This set into motion a fury of anger, hate, and abuse towards the missionary. Although, not everybody was taken back by his answer. In fact, a few of the soldiers didn't seem surprised.

What appeared to be the leader of the militia stormed over to the young man getting within an inch from nose to nose. "Who is your God!?!" the man shouted once again.

In the same calm and peaceful tone, the young missionary spoke "Jesus Christ". The leader in turn struck the back of the Christians legs forcing him to his knees. "Crawl to me!" shouted the leader.

The man obeyed only with each painful advance, he quietly said "Jesus". The Christian didn't know what to do, the only thing he did know was Jesus. As the leader continued to taunt this follower of Jesus, a large crowd had gathered around the incident.

Loud chanting ensued. "Crawl, crawl, crawl!" But the young man kept saying quietly "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." Amidst this he was praying, "Lord help me know what to do. Lord forgive them for they know not what they do."

The obedient Christian finally reached the antagonistic leader. He took the man by the arm forcing him to stand. "You believe in baptism do you not?" They both knew the question was rhetorical. "Well here we will baptize you with fire!"

The leader commanded the same young soldier who had earlier asked "Who is your God" to attach the Christian to a well burnt steel frame. As the young soldier strung up his captive for his final moments on earth, he looked into the Christians eye's and saw what he didn't expect. Nothing. Nothing scared. Nothing hateful. Nothing remorseful. Nothing. Only peace and what also looked like the love of a brother. The soldier knew he would never forget the look in his prisoner's eyes for as long as he lived.

At that moment, the young missionary knew why he was going to die for his faith. The soldier. The young soldier who would not only witness this final moments, but was responsible for his death. As the flame was lit, he had his last earthly conversation with his Heavenly Father. "Lord, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Please meet this young man and take him into your care. May you be glorified in his life. May my death lead him to life. I love you Lord."

"Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." —Romans 6:8–11

--

That young missionary was me in a dream I had last night. I woke up at 2:27 am this morning and new I wouldn't forget that dream. I want to have such a strong relationship with and love the Lord so much, the previous would be me. To love my captors. To have peace with my fate. To remember it was God's will and love Him for it. That would be my martyr's purpose.

I usually don't remember what I dream about. And when I do, it's about being Spider-Man or joining the rebellion against Darth Vader, but this time it was obviously different. I usually have the honor of leading devotions here at work on Tuesday's and what you just read is what I presented today. I just felt the Lord leading me to write out my dream and share it with others.

I also feel I must give a disclaimer. I didn't remember every detail that I relayed. The majority and overall message was conveyed but I don't remember all of the details. I had to add some creative liberty in my story.

The reason for the "Persecution.com" banner is it's a great website put on by Voice of the Martyrs. Most of you have probably heard of them. They are a great organization and share sobering and truthful stories of followers of Jesus around the world. Check it out when you have the time.

—b