"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which God has promised to those who love Him."
James 1:12
Some things are just difficult to write about, because I haven't been there and in my flesh really don't want to go there. I looked up the cross reference on the crown of life, and it is from Revelation 2:10:
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, anf for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Could it be that the trials that James is speaking of here are more than just the "diverse trials" that we often find annoying? I am going to let a couple of men who endured great trial speak for themselves.
William Tyndale Born 1484 ? -- Martyred October 6, 1536
At last, After much reasoning, when no reason would serve, although he deserved no death, he was condemned by virtue of the Emperor Decree , made in the Assembly at Augsburgh (as is before signified) and upon the same brought forth to the place of Execution, was there tied to the Stake, and then strangled first by the Hangman, and afterwards with fire consumed in the morning, at the Town of Filford, A.D. 1536; crying thus at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, "Lord open the king of England's eyes."
Text taken from pages 301 to 306 The Second Volume of the Ecclesiastical History: Containing the Acts and Monuments of Martyrs:
At last, After much reasoning, when no reason would serve, although he deserved no death, he was condemned by virtue of the Emperor Decree , made in the Assembly at Augsburgh (as is before signified) and upon the same brought forth to the place of Execution, was there tied to the Stake, and then strangled first by the Hangman, and afterwards with fire consumed in the morning, at the Town of Filford, A.D. 1536; crying thus at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, "Lord open the king of England's eyes."
Text taken from pages 301 to 306 The Second Volume of the Ecclesiastical History: Containing the Acts and Monuments of Martyrs:
Latimer & Ridley burnt alive at Oxford in the year 1555. Then they brought a lighted fagot, and laid the same down at Ridley’s feet; upon which Latimer said calling out from the fire, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out. (from Foxe's Book of Martyrs)
I know this is not an exciting post people will enjoy. But I do want to stay true to the Scriptures. Our purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We must glorify Him in whatever role He calls us.
On a lighter note, today is tea party day for my granddaughters. Next week I will try to post pictures.
With fear and trembling,
Gloria
2 comments:
I think it is good for us to read accounts of those who were martyred because of their love of Christ. It puts 'persecution' into perspective for those of us who think we're being persecuted when someone hurts our feelings. Praise God for those men and women of faith who've gone before and stayed true to the Lord Jesus, even when faced with horrifying means of death.
(P.S. Have a wonderful tea party!)
i hope i'm tested in an easier way than those two.
lookin fwd to hearing about the tea party
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