To Die For!

Is it better to die with hope, or to live without it? Job in the depth of his conviction is resolute on saying his piece - even if it kills him; "Then let come on me what may," (NJKV verse 13). He strengthens this point with the resignation, "Thou He slay me, yet will I trust Him," (verse 15). This was the resolve of Daniel and his three companions as they willingly faced the lions and the fire.  It was the resolve of the Apostles who all willingly faced death of the most gruesome sorts.  So also was the resolve of the reformers. All these, like Job, regarded truth to be more precious than their own lives. In fact, life for them was living the truth as they understood it - even if it cost their lives. Somehow they all knew that having already died to self their lives were "hid with Christ in God," (Col. 3: 3). Job expresses this hope beautifully, "And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" Job 19: 26. What glorious hope!

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_martyrs

Father, thank you for the truth of Your Word and for the hope contained therein. May we live by every word that proceeds from your mouth - even if it costs us family, fame, fortune... our lives. We ask it all in Jesus' name, amen.

This reading is based on Job 13.  To read and/or listen to this chapter and to read other related blogs, please go here.