Where was the place the righteous run to and are safe,
according to Proverbs 18:12? We pray for safety, for help on icy roads, for
health and healing and hope that so many of the verses of Scripture seem to
promise, as well we should. But what happens when senseless tragedy strikes
anyway? Doesn’t God’s word work?
Do martyrs see what Stephen saw—“the glory of God and Jesus
standing at the right hand of God” Does the Holy Spirit fill them so they can
say, “Lord, do not hold this against them”?
I can hardly find the place in my heart to say it now, here,
safe and sound at my desk.
I don’t know what the martyred see. Many may just face death
in the firmness of faith that that they lived by. “Blessed are those who
haven’t seen but have believed.”
Recently I saw a prayer request from a pastor in the persecuted
church who said rather than praying for their safety and well-being, to pray
for the grace for them to be faithful witnesses right to the end—even if at the
edge of a knife.
I’d like to pray an Elisha prayer for someone facing
persecution today—“O Lord open his eyes that he may see…” chariots, and angels,
and Jesus high and lifted up. And if the eyes of the deceived death-wielding
cloaked one would be opened and he too would see that glory—well all the
better, because I know he is not the real enemy.
***
For the families of the slain, and the front-liners and the captives.
And for anyone who needs strength today—may God give you the
grace to see past the cage or the blade or the fire and straight into that place of glory—straight
into that high tower the righteous will indeed run into and be safe.
Blessings,
Marcia
No less powerful from being written from the safety of your desk. Love you!
ReplyDeleteWe can't imagine the hostilities and dangers Christians face in other countries. And so many of them are Lone Rangers for the faith, without a community of believers they can share their struggles with. I pray everyday for their strength and encouragement. That pastor's prayer request was spot-on.
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