We bought a PVR a couple years ago. We can watch the programs we want, when we want and interrupt them at will, not when the ads dictate. "Wait, what did he say?" No problem! We’ll just rewind.
I’d like to rewind my story for you. I decided in my early twenties that my life verse would be Philippians 3:10, which says, "I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." (NIV) I wanted to know Christ. Sure there was the part about "the fellowship of His sufferings" (KJV). I had heard Richard Wurmbrand’s testimony first-hand detailing persecution. It was a reality I wanted to sweep into the corner of my mind along with all uncomfortable truths that rattled my paradigm.
Let’s grab the remote again and fast forward to July 18, 2015. Place this Sunday morning church service against the backdrop of having worked with VOMC for several years. Flipping through the scenes of this story, I have heard amazing testimonies of faithfulness in horrific circumstances, but in recent weeks Philippians 3:10 had come up again, and again. Now, here I stood in church and the sermon was on… yup, Philippians 3.
We were challenged to confront whatever keeps us from giving Christ first place. As I stood singing the closing song, conviction hit. My story had heroes, but Christ was not at the top of that list. I had put persecuted Christians there. It’s so easy to do. I’ve seen them as brave super heroes who by their very nature condemn my North American Christianity. The fact is, they’re just as human as I am, in all of my maddening faults. While we are encouraged to learn from one another, the foundational truth is; we are ONE Church. Some of us are persecuted more than others, but we are ONE. Some have shocking testimonies of inhuman strength and endurance because they serve Jesus Christ. He enables them to walk faithfully. He is the amazing One. He is the One I should want to emulate. He is the super Hero!
We have much to learn from those who have walked difficult paths in faith. Persecuted Christians share with great certainty, powerful testimonies of how Jesus saves. This Saturday, The Voice of the Martyrs presents our partner Tom Zurowski from Global Response Network at a reception in Barrie Ontario. Tom will share how our Hero Jesus has helped rebuild mercy on foundations of love in places like Sudan. All are welcome to this evening event. Please join us!
By Twyla Penner
