Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10

There is a lot of persecution in the world, and I can’t say I’ve ever been persecuted for righteousness sake. I hear accounts of people being jailed, having everything taken away, even being put to death because they proclaim to be Christians.

I don’t know how a person can be happy while being persecuted. I’m reminded of the persecution and death of Hugh Latimer and Nicolas Ridley, the Oxford Martyrs, who were burned at the stake by Queen Mary for being opposed to the Pope. Hugh Latimer’s words were recorded in history:

Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.

Lord will you use me in this way, can I honor you by being so bold as to proclaim your truth at my death? I have nothing to loose, and everything to gain. Lord give me the happiness to serve you in all my circumstances.

Picture by unsplash-logoChristian Spies