One thing we've got to admit about the current crop of Muslims. They really believe what they believe. Death is considered part of the bargain when you enter Islam. Have you ever seen so many people willing to give away their lives?
Well, as a matter of fact, yes.
Through the years the Christian Church has
seen more of its people sent to an untimely death than any religion or people
group on earth or in history. As many as seventy million may have paid the
ultimate price for their faith.
Just dying, or just suffering, is not that to which God's people are called.
But dying with Jesus. Remember the old song?
"Dying with Jesus by death reckoned mine.
"Living with Jesus a new life Divine.
"Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
"Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.
Peter (I Peter 4:1ff) says that the mindset that says, "Jesus suffered,
so must I," is a healthy one. It is the norm for us. We've lived enough in
the flesh. We've had enough of this life. Let's lay it down and experience the
new life.
This is where Islam falls so tragically short.
When Muslims die they are sent to the prison where the dead wait for their judgment at the "resurrection of damnation." A blaze of pain and seconds of "glory", then that's it.
When we die with and in Him, whether
virtually now or in actuality later, we go to be with Jesus, our spirits free
from these old bodies, and basking in the light of His Presence.
I remember the mental fight I had when I had to go in for a certain medical
procedure. I'm a pretty cowardly guy in my natural man. I almost did not keep
my appointment. But the benefits were there. The doc said I had to do it. And
when I woke up, I knew it was all worth it. I felt great!
That's how it must be here. Entering into death on a regular basis,
unafraid, knowing that Doc has prescribed these operations to bring us out
perfect and happy on the other side. Arm yourself with that attitude, says
Peter. Suffering and martyrdom and laying our lives down, it's our norm. Live
with that mindset and life will certainly look different than it does now.
Thanks for your visit! Go to https://www.icommittopray.com/
for regular updates on the persecuted church. Check out my books
at Amazon.com.
Send me a message at bobdiakonos7@gmail.com
Daily Podcast: wordandcross.com
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