Ready to Die for the sake of Jesus

 I know that we, as Christians, have a lot of freedom here in the United States. Even the first amendment to the Constitution guarantees us religious freedom. It might seem like we have nothing to be concerned about when it comes to our religious beliefs and practices. However, that might not be the case with the changes that are taking place in our country. There could come a time when we could be imprisoned or even sentenced to death because of our belief in Jesus and God's Word. I pray we are ready for that if it comes.

Paul was ready. It is amazing to read of all of the times he was put in jail, beaten, and even stoned for his belief in Jesus. As he went to Jerusalem again, another prophet said he would be put in prison, and the believers tried to get him not to go. (Acts 21:13) "But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart. I am ready, not only to be jailed at Jerusalem, but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." I wonder how many of us would be able to sincerely make that declaration today? We need to be ready.

One reason the Lord laid this on my heart is that I heard about a new law proposed in England that would make it a crime for anyone to say anything against a person changing their gender designation. If it is passed as written, it would apply even to parents and preachers. The sentence would be 5 years or more in prison. Now, it may not pass, or it may be changed before it passes, but it has the votes to pass, since it was brought by the ruling party in parliament. That seems to be the way our country is moving, too.

So, are we so committed to Jesus and to the Bible that we would refuse to change what we believe if a law like this, or some other law that would go against the Bible and Jesus was passed? It is a heart question for each of us to answer. Jesus died for us. Are we willing to die for Him? Do we really have our complete faith and hope in Him, so that we would be OK in prison with Jesus? Do we really know that dying is even better than living because of Jesus? This is something for all believers to consider personally.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 24-26.