Identity

John 15:18-21
Romans 14:8-9
Acts 7
1 Samuel 1
Ruth 1:6-22

When we hear martyr, we often think of those who have died for their faith. Many believers throughout history have acted in faith and given their lives as great sacrifices for Christ. 

As we dive into this Journey Study, I invite you to consider some questions with me:
How can we grow in our dedication to Christ?
Today, what is He asking us to sacrifice as we follow Him?

Let’s consider some martyrs throughout history to see how precious our Lord and Saviour was to each of them.  

First, let’s meet Stephen, the earliest Christian martyr. Shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven, Stephen was chosen as a leader of the early Church. Acts 6:5 tells us he was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,” dedicated to serving others and obedient to God. 

As he was “performing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8), he attracted the attention of the religious leaders, who strongly opposed the Gospel of Jesus. After delivering a powerful testimony revealing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, Stephen was stoned. (Acts 7) 

Dying, he cried out, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) In Stephen’s time of great distress, God opened the heavens for him to glimpse his heavenly home; how amazing is our God’s care for us! 

Let’s jump ahead in history to October 16, 1555. On this day, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley also gave their lives for Christ. Both were devout Christians during the Reformation era, serving as bishops who were among England’s most influential Reformers. (www.desiringgod.org)

Ridley and Latimer met in a prison cell and later, were fastened to the same stake and burned alive for steadfastly proclaiming faith in Christ and His reformation of the Church. As they were burning, they encouraged each other with words of confidence in God’s abilities and power. Latimer told Ridley, “[W]e shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” Indeed, when Queen Elizabeth came into rule, the small candle of faith Latimer and Ridley lit burst into glorious flame. (www.desiringgod.org)

God doesn’t always lead us to give up our physical lives in following Him, but He does call us to be living sacrifices to Him. (Romans 12:1)

Within the pages of the Bible, we find the stories of many women who sacrificed for their faith. Consider Ruth, who left behind her family and nation to follow God. As she prepared to leave her homeland, she told her Hebrew mother-in-law, “[Y]our people will be my people and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16, emphasis mine)

Barren for much of her life, Hannah begged God for a child and her prayer was answered! Yet, she promised to give her son back to God. Following her sacrifice, her son became a great prophet of God to the Israelite people. (1 Samuel 1)

Similarly, God calls us to dedicate our daily lives to His kingdom. Whether our days involve work outside the home or the work of laundry, dishes, and diapers, we are to live as unto the Lord. Romans 14:8 explains, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” 

Our goal in living for the Lord is to emulate Christ. Mark 10:45 reveals, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” When we orient our lives toward sacrificially serving God and others, we follow Jesus’ example (John 13:1-17) and heed His call, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

I have learned this in a very deep, personal way. I’ve discovered surrendering to Jesus involves sacrifice and earthly loss; in doing so, I’ve gained a deeper knowledge of Him and my identity became rooted in His love. 

A few years ago, I was learning how to seek God with my whole heart. I was trying to surrender my life to Him and live with an unbelieving husband. In John 15:18-21, Jesus predicts the opposition and persecution His followers will face because of their faith. In my marriage, I experienced this firsthand.

My husband’s adamant rejection of the Gospel brought my life to a hard, dark place. I attempted suicide and Jesus miraculously saved me. Eventually, the more I surrendered to God, the more I heard Him tell me to walk away, ending a relationship in which I was unequally yoked. So I did.

Since then, I have begun a journey with Jesus I never could have imagined. I have been able to truly root myself in Him and He has healed me in places I didn’t know were broken. Daily, I ask God to help me crucify my flesh. The index card on my bathroom mirror reads, “Which one are you going to feed today, the flesh or the spirit? Choose wisely.”  

Feeding our spirits strengthens us to deny our flesh and follow Jesus. Spending time in worship, regular prayer, and the Bible bring me into a deeper revelation and remembrance of His sacrifice for me on the cross.  

I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus and ask Him to guide you into full surrender. Wait expectantly and ask the Holy Spirit to enable your obedience. Then step back in praise and thanksgiving and watch Him turn a small flame of faith into a roaring fire!