Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Cost of Discipleship
Ryan Jacob
Long Island MTC, NY
16 Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought
and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom
you faithfully serve, deliver you!”
Saeed Abidini is an Iranian born former Muslim who converted to Christianity in the year 2000. Initially, Abidini became a prominent figure in the house church movement that had started in Iran. But after a detainment and agreement with the government, he was allowed to return to work in Iran for non-sectarian humanitarian efforts. In the summer of 2012, when returning to Iran to visit family and help build an orphanage, he was arrested, tried and sentenced to prison for undermining the Iranian government by creating a series of house churches and trying to sway youth away from Islam. He is currently still in prison.
The passage in Daniel illustrates a very similar scenario. Daniel was aware of the latest decree set forth to almost exclusively trap him. Death at the mouths of lions awaited him if he was found praying, but he was unnerved. As we see, he continued to fall to his knees and pray “just as he had done before”. There was no fear in the persecution that laid waiting if caught. All Daniel focused on was thanking God. In similar fashion, Abidini continued to return to a country that had already held and threatened him for his beliefs, but disregarded danger to do what he felt was needed.
Throughout biblical history, we can see the danger that existed for the forbearers and fathers of our faith. Following Christ during that time was perilous, but it was faced in faith knowing something greater awaited them. Many of us do not live under the fear of death for sharing our faith. The act of praying for us does not often run the risk of life, limb or even imprisonment. But do we have the courage of our convictions as Daniel or Saeed Abidini? Regardless of the risks or lack thereof, how many of us openly share our faith, or even openly pray? Can we see what God has waiting for us or are we only able to see what lies immediately in front of us?
Saeed Abidini is an Iranian born former Muslim who converted to Christianity in the year 2000. Initially, Abidini became a prominent figure in the house church movement that had started in Iran. But after a detainment and agreement with the government, he was allowed to return to work in Iran for non-sectarian humanitarian efforts. In the summer of 2012, when returning to Iran to visit family and help build an orphanage, he was arrested, tried and sentenced to prison for undermining the Iranian government by creating a series of house churches and trying to sway youth away from Islam. He is currently still in prison.
The passage in Daniel illustrates a very similar scenario. Daniel was aware of the latest decree set forth to almost exclusively trap him. Death at the mouths of lions awaited him if he was found praying, but he was unnerved. As we see, he continued to fall to his knees and pray “just as he had done before”. There was no fear in the persecution that laid waiting if caught. All Daniel focused on was thanking God. In similar fashion, Abidini continued to return to a country that had already held and threatened him for his beliefs, but disregarded danger to do what he felt was needed.
Throughout biblical history, we can see the danger that existed for the forbearers and fathers of our faith. Following Christ during that time was perilous, but it was faced in faith knowing something greater awaited them. Many of us do not live under the fear of death for sharing our faith. The act of praying for us does not often run the risk of life, limb or even imprisonment. But do we have the courage of our convictions as Daniel or Saeed Abidini? Regardless of the risks or lack thereof, how many of us openly share our faith, or even openly pray? Can we see what God has waiting for us or are we only able to see what lies immediately in front of us?
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, By Your grace You have saved us and
through Your grace we are made worthy of Christ’s sacrifice. Provide us with
the strength and courage we need to stand for the faith when the opportunity
arises. Father, let us not be silent or ashamed, but shouting it from the
mountain tops. We ask for Your continued guidance and strength. In Your holy
and precious name. Amen
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
A leap of faith sometimes means you can’t see the ground or God’s hands waiting to catch you.
A leap of faith sometimes means you can’t see the ground or God’s hands waiting to catch you.