It's been a while since the last post. But it is good to be back. Lately my internet times have been spent trying to figure out MailChimp, TNTmpd, or Facebook groups. MailChimp is a nifty free newletter site that makes us look like we know what we are doing when we email people. TNTmpd is a computer software to help organize ministry partner databases. And Facebook groups I am guessing you know what they are, but they take a lot of time sometimes. By the way check out our Cambodia facebook group.
Besides those things, I have been thinking about martyrdom lately. The topic is one rarely discussed in our affluent western world, however, just because martyrdom does not occupy our conversations in the church does not mean it is irrelevant to our faith in current times.
I have been reading Unto Death: Martyrdom, Missions, and the Maturity of the Church by Dalton Thomas. Thus far it is a fantastic book. It is different than most books I have read in past years because the author gives you scripture to chew on. It seems like every sub-point he makes grows from study in Scripture. Often times books will have one idea, a few verses to back up their idea and a whole lot of fluff, not this one.
Inspired by this book, some scripture, and what God has been teaching me in this past year or so, I have come to the conclusion that whatever I gain in life, whatever I lose in death is worth giving up for the sake of Jesus. I am not saying I have finally "arrived," given everything over to the Lord in my heart, but it is something that the Lord is currently nurturing/growing in my heart.
The reality though is, that unless I discover, declare, and resolve in myself the glorious worth of Jesus, I will always cling on to the "perks" of life. The question that remains is what is Jesus worth? We recieve Him for free; salvation is free. But oh that we would not buy into the lie that "free" is written on His price tag. Jesus is worthy of all our affection, all our thoughts, all of our resources, our life.
It is the witness of a martyr, and those who live the martyr-lifestyle, that proclaim that Jesus is worth far more than what we gain in life and what we lose in death.
I remember reading Jesus words…
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew 13:44)
What happens when we are not convinced that Jesus, our treasure, is worth selling all? What does it look like when we cling to what we have, hands full, without an extra hand to grab our Lord's?
I want to leave you with this question today:
What have you gained in life, and what could you lose in death that is worth more than knowing and following our God?
Thanks Patty, excited to see you guys!
Nothing is more important than knowing and following our God – but sadly sometimes that fact gets lost in the shuffle of life. Thank you guys for bringing it back into focus – God bless you as you prepare for your incredible journey! (and we’ll see you in May!!!)