GOOD WORKS – A REFLECTION OF OUR FAITH
March 8, 2024TRUE SERVANTS OF THE SAVIOUR
March 10, 2024Life on the “Narrow Way” is a sure call for suffering and sacrifice. The Word of God is very clear on this subject – “12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Jesus, speaking about sufferings, said “33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – 2 Timothy 3:12; John 16:33
Peter, writing to the early Church says – “12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;” Peter continues to exhort them – “14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified….16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter….19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” – 1 Peter 4:12, 14, 16; 19
On 09 March in 320 AD the history records that, some Christian Roman soldiers are captured, and ordered to renounce their faith in Jesus. Upon their rejection of the offer, the Christian soldiers are left on the ice of a frozen pond in Sebaste, Armenia. To tempt them into renouncing their faith, they place hot water around them. The Christian soldiers respond by stripping off their own clothes, saying, “What is death for us but an entrance into eternal life?” When none renounced their faith, a pagan guard – inspired by the fortitude of the remaining Christians – he himself converts, and joins the freezing Christians. They were all killed for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, their Saviour and LORD. This incident is recorded by Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa, I’m their historical recordings.
May the LORD grant us grace to witness for Him, as did these faithful soldiers. May we be found faithful and obedient, even unto death.
