Faithful all the way to death
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
And his dominion has no end. Daniel 6:26
Read Daniel 6:19—28
I can be sure that this day has seen the persecution of the church somewhere. Ever since Jesus said, ‘Everyone will hate you because of me,’ it has happened. He has prepared us to witness before hostile governors and councils.[1] He warned us not to be ashamed of him.[2] And taught us to pray, ‘Save us in the time of trial.’ To join the church meant to prepare for possible martyrdom. Many of the heroes of the church have been faithful all the way to death. They have died in the belief that God raises the dead to himself. I suppose I can see Daniel’s deliverance as a sign and a promise of God’s vindication, maybe even as a sign and a symbol of the resurrection I await too. It is a faith-bolstering sign for me. Be faithful! Put your trust nowhere else. There is nowhere else! Be faithful until your death.
Dear Father, I declare this night that you are the one who holds life and death in your hands. Your eye is now on those who are suffering for their faith. They are my dear brothers and sisters. Hold them in your love. May they remain true. May they remain devout. Spread your love in their hearts by your Holy Spirit. Deliver them according to your purpose. For myself I pray that I will be bold; that I will be faithful unto death; that the grace of God upon me will make these old words my new words:
Happy if with my latest breath
I might but gasp his name,
Preach him to all, and cry in death,
‘Behold, behold the Lamb.’ — Charles Wesley
[1]Mark 13:9—13
[2]Mark 8:38