ACTS 7 : 59 - 60 NIV.
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Today we commemorate the Namugongo Martyrs, who willingly braved the threats against their new found faith in Jesus Christ. Isn't it amazing that these men who were ordinary, unschooled but resilient did something that has had impact on the Christian faith and witness globally.The witness of brave martyrs in-fact encouraged new converts and revival for missions.
"These people were the ultimate followers of Christ; their faith and convictions were strong enough that these martyrs were driven to imitate Jesus' sacrificial death", says Lawrence S. Cunningham.
Indeed Cunningham's observation is right namely that their conviction to lay down their lives was not from a human point of view. That was God at work in their lives.
In the book of Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6&7, we have the Biblical example Stephen who died as a martyr.
Stephen's conviction too, was truly driven by his faith in Jesus Christ as outlined in his confession below:
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7: 55-56; 59-60 NIV.
If this was not an act of God's supernatural power how can the persecuted pray for forgiveness for the persecutor. In this perverse and wicked generation, God is calling us to be witnesses of his mystery. This is a wake up call for us all to be living sacrifices.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Romans to show case for their faith as witnesses for Jesus Christ as a lifestyle and said:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV.
Remember what Jesus said to his disciples;
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23 NIV.
Are you willing to carry your cross daily as a true witness of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Let us borrow a leaf from those who died as martyrs. Let walk the talk and not just talk the walk.
PRAYER.
Lord help me to deny myself daily, to fight against Satan, the flesh and the world. Amen.
By:
Rev. Moses Henry Isabirye
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