THE CRY OF THE MARTYRS

When one observes the tends world over, in relation to Christians, who truly and faithfully are, walking on the narrow path, shown to us by Jesus, we see the persecution of such Christians, and a steady increase of the same. We see Christians criticised more vociferously and persecuted more violently, all across the globe, as the years pass by. True, in some places it is visible, and in some other places it is invisible. In some places it is more violent, and in some other places, it is spreading silently. Whatever the case, the ground is being prepared, world over, for an unprecedented Christian persecution. 

The primary reason for Christian persecution is hate, that has been brewing from ages past. It is the hate that has its origins in Lucifer. He is the author of all such hate. His hate is against God, and thus his efforts to disturb, destabilise and destroy all that belongs to God. We see the same reason behind the work of Lucifer in the Garden of Eden, the Roman Empire, the Reformation period, the Communist revolution; and it continues even today, in various forms. This is what the Word of God says to the Christian…
– “​​​​10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10

A sad and tragic death occurred on the intervening night of 24 and 25 March 2025, close to Rajamahendravaram [Rajahmundry] Andhra Pradesh, India. Pastor Praveen Pagadala, a prominent defender of Christian faith, died under tragic and mysterious circumstances. He passionately participated in debates and discussions, with people from other religions, for quite some time now. Many are expressing their serious doubts, if his death is truly an accident. Many media outlets are also raising some very serious and pertinent questions based on the facts of the case. He had been receiving death threats, according to the reports, and many Christian leaders, for a while now.

The competent authorities will ascertain the facts, and will let everyone know, how this Pastor, who stood so firmly and vocally for Christ, actually die. May the LORD help the truth to be revealed.

Many Christians are being silently martyred for Christ, in the world today. Many cases may not even come to light. Many may not even be reported in the news. However, the God of all creation, who hears and sees, all that is happening to His children, would, in His time, ask for an account, from all who are responsible for such killings. 
– “9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.” – Revelation 6:9-11

There is still time for that day, when the LORD will ask the world for an account, of all the Christians whom it had ruthlessly murdered. Untill then, *we as Christians,  just have to wait upon our God, and walk the time tested, and well-trodden Christian path – “LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”*
– “43 “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48

May the LORD grant us the wisdom, grace and patience, to not only wait upon God, to act on our behalf, as we are being slaughtered; but also, grant us the strength, courage and conviction to walk on the path of non-violence, that Jesus had taught us, despite the pain, the anguish, and the suffering…just as all the faithful ones, in the past, have walked, ever so faithfully, in obedience to the LORD Jesus Christ, and His command to be like Him, in all things, especially in our response towards all those, who bitterly hate us. What better time than the season of Lent, to meditate on such a subject, knowing that the LORD hears THE CRY OF THE MARTYRS. Even so the LORD help us.