Glorious Martyrdom

“The first Preachers of the gospel were so well assured of the truth of it that they sealed it with their blood”

Matthew Henry

Christian martyrdom is no new thing, but actually if one was to listen to the news it would seem as if it does not take place today. But I assure you it does in countless places across the globe. Seen as a sign of persecution and pure evil, which it is, it can also be seen as the most glorious way to die. To lose one’s life for the sake of Christ is the most honorable way to leave this world for the next.

In Acts 7:54-60 we read of the stoning of Stephen, who is considered the first Christian martyr. His death took place in 36CE in Jerusalem. Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin and was accused of blasphemy. Before the Rabbinic court and witnesses, Stephen denounced all Jewish authority and was taken to the street and violently killed.

Before His death we have his speech recorded in Acts 7:56-60 “Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Later in the 16th century, under the rule of Queen Mary, began the Marian or Protestant Persecution (1553-1558). Mary of Tudor, also known as “Bloody Mary” was a devout Catholic and a wicked woman. During her 5 year rule she had called for the burning at the stake of over 300 Protestant Christians.

Her first victim was John Rogers. At the age of 55 John Rogers, a reformer and English bible translator, was led to the stake to be burned to death after being acussed of heresy. Rogers would not denounce the faith he held. Led through the streets of Smithfield, London, with his wife and 11 children watching, he was tied to the stake and fire was set to his body.

Minutes before His death he was given chance to recant of his words about the sacrifice of the mass and he replied “which I have preached, I will seal with my own blood”. This is the record of his final moments as written by Banner of Truth:

“When he was attached to the post, the fire was put under him, and when it had taken hold of his legs and shoulders, he, as if feeling no pain, washed his hands in the flame, as though it were cold water. So says recorded history. After lifting up his hands to heaven, not removing them from the fire until the flames had devoured them, mildly and firmly this happy martyr yielded up his spirit into the hands of his Heavenly Father. Even a few moments before his death, a written pardon was brought to him if he would recant, but he refused.”

Countless numbers of men, women and children have faced death head on and was bold its presence. We have seen the deaths on the beach a few years back at the hands of Muslims. There have been an unknown amount of Chinese Christians killed for their belief in Christ. All willing to die and then stand before the one that died for them.

As Christians today I pray that we would show the same boldness as those 300+ under Mary and the scores of others around the world. When the stake is set in place and the fire is made ready, let’s us go gladly to deaths door and swing it open. Let’s us enter as many did, while repeating a Psalm or casting up a prayer to God as a thanks for giving the opportunity to die for Him.

Dear Lord, we know that not all are to be martyrs for your sake, but if it be your will, let’s us. Help us to never deny you before men and government. If we are to die for you, let’s us die boldly before men so that your glory will be shown. If we are not to die for you, help us live expecting as if we will.

Amen