Wed.’s Devo - The Martyrs

Read Rev. 2:10-11 Jesus told us not to fear all the suffering that will happen at this time. Paul wrote it very eloquently in Romans 8:35-39. Paul reminds us that no amount of suffering or persecution can separate us from God’s love. Even though they were killed they were considered more than conquerors through Christ who gave them the strength to go through the torture. At the time of this church age, the devil had gotten into the hearts of some of the Jews, the pagan priests and the government, and they were hurling Christians into the arenas to be eaten by lions, for sport. It was the time of the gladiators. Nero came to power and his terror on Christians lasted ten years. He used Christians, who were wrapped in oil cloth, tied to poles and put on fire, to light his gardens at night. He would have killed all the Christians, if he had lived longer and God had not stopped him. Being a martyr receives a special reward in heaven. They will be given the crown of life. It is the reward of running the race and winning. Those that overcome will not be hurt in the second death which is the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:14) When the scripture says “to him that overcomes” he is talking to all the ages. This is just one more thing the overcomes will win. Lord, may we walk in power, not afraid of what could happen to our mortal bodies.