2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV)
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or
of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the
power of God.
The Communist soldiers had discovered their illegal Bible
study.
As the pastor was reading from the Bible, men with guns
suddenly broke into the home, terrorizing the believers who had gathered there
to worship. The Communists shouted insults and threatened to kill the
Christians. The leading officer painted his gun at the pastor's head.
"Hand me your Bible," he demanded.
Reluctantly, the pastor handed over his Bible, his prized
possession. With a sneer on his face, the guard threw the Word of God on the
floor at his feet.
He glared at the small congregation: "We will let
you go," he growled, "but first, you must spit on this book of lies.
Anyone who refuses will be shot." The believers had no choice but to obey
the officer's order.
A soldier pointed his gun at one of the men. "You
first." The man slowly got up and knelt down by the Bible. Reluctantly, he
spit on it, praying, "Father, please forgive me." He stood up and
walked to the door. The soldiers stood back and allowed him to leave.
"Okay, you!" The soldier said, nudging a woman
forward. In tears, she could barely do what the soldier demanded. She spat only
a little, but it was enough. She too was allowed to leave.
Quietly, a young girl came forward. Overcome with love
for her Lord, she knelt down and picked up the Bible. She wiped off the spit
with her dress. "What have they done to Your Word? Please forgive
them," she prayed.
The Communist soldier put his pistol to her head. Then he
pulled the trigger.
Most of those facing persecution today could have escaped
if they had denied their faith. The question is not whether we are persecuted,
but whether we are willing to lay down our life for our faith in Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, we pray that when we are persecuted that we
would stand strong and not deny You. Help our faith be strong today. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
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