On Martyrdom

Hello! Long time no see. Here's some food for thought...

So I'm reading Foxe's Book of Martyrs. As bedtime reading. Yes, my light bedtime reading. But seriously, it's so insane; I read some passages and my jaw drops. My heart pounds. I go back and reread.
I wonder how many generations of Christians have been inspired by the story of Polycarp? Or how many have considered the Apostle Peter's upside down crucifixion as astonishing? (he didn't consider himself worthy enough to die in the same manner as his Lord Jesus Christ, so he requested to be crucified head down.)


Here is one passage on the martyrdom of the apostle James. This is an astonishing, as were all the early accounts of persecution. This is what true Christian forgiveness looks like! Read on:

After the martyrdom of Stephen, suffered next James the holy apostle of Christ, and brother of John. 'When this James,' saith Clement, 'was brought to the tribunal seat, he that brought him and was the cause of his trouble, seeing him to be condemned and that he should suffer death, was in such sort moved therewith in heart and conscience that as he went to the execution he confessed himself also, of his own accord, to be a Christian. And so were they led forth together, where in the way he desired of James to forgive him what he had done. After that James had a little paused with himself upon the matter, turning to him he saith, "Peace be thee, brother;" and kissed him. And both were beheaded together, A.D. 36.'

Can you imagine doing this? ... Wow...


Hebrews 11:35-38:

Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Lord, what does it take to be one of whom the world is not worthy? What a scary thought. But isn't it the call of the Christian life? To be willing to die for Christ! and thus -- be more than willing to live for Him. This is us, counting the cost. But also, seeing the army march onto us, knowing that we would never survive. (see Luke 14:25-33)

Funny how we are able to make these grandiose promises to Christ about Him being worth more than anything else we have or know, but when it actually comes down to it, we skimp out. Or, even if we've experienced times when we've stood firm in the face of persecution -- but then, turn around and make mini-idols of the small things in our lives (i.e., possessions, acceptance, achievement, etc). How two-faced we can be!

Christians in America have it so easy because of all the religious freedom we have. We dont' fear death because of our religion. But people elsewhere do, and this strengthens their faith. So I wonder, is this comfortability a curse in disguise? Without the cost of following Christ spelled out in blood in front of our eyes, are we satisfied with our lukewarm faith and our lukewarm churches? And will we just be .. spit out of His mouth? (Revelation 3:15-16) That's probably an even scarier thought.

Paul, how did you say this? For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) How can I say this with my life, and not just let it be some kind of lip service?