“ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation.
Play the man, Master Ridley. Those were the words from Hugh Latimer as they walked to their executions by burning in Oxford for their Protestant faith. Vicki and I have seen the very spot on Broad Street. It made us wonder what we would have done and said. Hugh Latimer may have been thinking of the church in Smyrna and the special instructions Jesus gave them through John. Do not fear are easy words to say when you are about to be thrown into prison, or worse. Latimer had these words of comfort for Ridley that Jesus gives all who suffer for him.
“We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”
To those suffering today from various trials, take comfort in the fact that Jesus knows your tribulation and your poverty because he experienced both to the extreme for us. In the future, we may be thrown in prison or worse for our faith. Our prayer for today that we would play the man and woman, taking comfort in the one who became a man and suffered for us.
Dear Lord, thank you for knowing our trials and poverty and for dying for us. May we be prepared to do the same, losing our liberty, possessions and safety for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church