Revelation 12: 10-11 (NIV) - “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.’”

The genre of the book of Revelation falls under the category of apocalyptic writings. It is a hefty word, but it basically means a story of another heavenly world to encourage the faith of the believers living in the present world. The Apostle John sees amazing visions and in between, there are interjections of analysis and insights. In this passage, there is heavenly proclamation of the salvation that comes with the kingdom of God and power of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The triumph of the believers is found in the salvation through the death and resurrection of our Lord and the life that follows - the word of their testimony. Then follows the most interesting commentary of the believers: “they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

It is an astonishing fact in history how Christians have endured persecution, even death for the sake of Christ. It begs the question: how does one prepare for such times? How does a person not love their life so much as to shrink from death?

As you recall from the message, the Taliban knew the people who attended the church in Tajikistan, and they knew where they lived and their families. The persecution was a daily reality. They knew that coming back to church after the bombing was a great threat to their own lives and also for their family members. And as I interacted with them, they were ordinary people, many really young, just simply believing in the gospel and following the leading of the church.

Response and prayer: Lord, thank you that true victory and triumph is found in you. Help me to live each day in the manner of “the word of their testimony.” That each day my mindset, my heart will be gospel living. Help me to trust and surrender my life to you so as not “to shrink from death.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Sing in response: “Lord, I need you.” by Matt Maher
https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA

-MK