Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).

A missionary group in India has their missionaries sign a Martyr’s Oath which in part states: "I surrender this body on earth to the perfect will of Jesus and, should my blood be spilled, may it bring forth a mighty harvest of souls". When I graduated from Bible College and went through the credentialing steps for ministry there was no mention of a Martyr’s Oath. At that time in America it wasn't something we gave much thought to in our ministry call here in the U.S., but that could be changing.

Many observe that persecution of Christians is on the rise all around the world which is primarily due to Islam. However all through the ages in various ways and to various extents Christians have been persecuted, beginning in the New Testament period. The first several centuries were especially brutal. But the last century has also been brutal due to communist regimes and Islam. Now we have that coming in our own country from many that viciously hate the truth.

Today’s Scripture text expresses the heart of the Apostle Paul. He was going to Jerusalem but had been prophetically warned of the persecution that awaited him there. His followers were greatly distressed and entreated him not to go. This stirred Paul’s emotions and he pleaded with them, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?” What a touching statement regarding the value Paul placed on relationships.

Paul, who was firmly committed to his brothers and sisters in the faith was even more committed to his high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The Spirit of God compelling him to “go” was more persuasive than his ministry partners begging him to “stay”. He fully realized the possible consequences and yet he forthrightly declared, "I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus".

“Ready to die” – This statement can correctly refer to our preparation to die in regards to our having accepted Christ as Savior and having made peace with God. It might also be used in the sense of having our earthly affairs in order such as preparing a will, making financial arrangements for family members, planning our funeral, etc.

However “ready to die” in this context means much, much more than this to Paul and so many of our brethren. In the daily text he is expressing a willingness to suffer and die for Jesus. Although he didn’t die for his faith in Jerusalem he did eventually die as a martyr. He had also witnessed many others who died for their faith, beginning with Stephen. He even consented (approved) of Stephen's stoning.

Bible commentator Albert Barnes observes, “This (being ready to die) was the true spirit of a martyr. This spirit reigned in the hearts of all the early Christians.”

Today I struggle as to how I can effectively bring this message to a close. I realize for some of our readers this devotional thought is very close to home since they live in a place where the possibility of suffering or dying for Christ is a daily reality. Others may be thinking, "That could never happen here".

Given the godlessness that prevails in our land the climate israpidly changing in North America for the Christian believer. We need to take necessary steps to ensure that we are grounded in our faith, making and keeping Jesus at the very center of our lives. May the Lord grant each of us an unwavering faith such as that of Paul who boldly proclaimed, "I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus".

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber