I read this book called Jesus Freaks (Martyrs) by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. It's a compilation of stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks.
The stories in the book cover a vast time period, from early AD up until the late 90s. It's just amazing, heartbreaking(for the suffering endured) and inspiring, how so many people have stood firm for Jesus knowing the persecution that was right around the corner, knowing that a horrible death that could have been avoided if they denied Jesus. They did the only thing they knew...stand firm in their faith even if that meant torture and death. Their faith was so great that they courageously did all they could to spread the Good News even if it costed their lives. Here is Thomas Hauker's story:
Thomas Hauker
England
1555
"Thomas," his friend lowered his voice so as not to be heard by the guard. "I have to ask you this favor. I need to know if what the others say about the grace of God is true. Tomorrow, when they burn you at the stake, if the pain is tolerable and your mind is still at peace, lift your hands above your head. Do it right before you die. Thomas, I have to know."
Thomas Hauker whispered to his friend, "I will."
The next morning, Hauker was bound to the stake and the fire was lit. The fire burned a long time, but Hauker remained motionless. His skin was burnt to a crisp and his fingers were gone. Everyone watching supposed he was dead. Suddenly; miraculously, Hauker lifted his hands, still on fire, over his head. He reached them up to the living God, and then, with great rejoicing, clapped them together three times.
The people there broke into shouts of praise and applause. Hauker's friend had his answer.
"My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness...It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now...I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become."
-Paul the Apostle, Martyred in Rome, 65 AD (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, The Message)
Kia Carens Stylish Exterior
4 years ago
"...listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life." Deuteronomy 30:20
ReplyDeleteLove this post! That is a great book! I haven't read it in awhile. I will have to pull it off the shelf and be inspired again!
See you soon in Costa Rica! Love you!
This story is a perfect example of Lance's message this past weekend. Sometimes God delivers us from the fire and sometimes He delivers us IN the fire.
ReplyDeleteLove the book; want to get the next volume that they have.
Deuteronomy 30:20 - gotta make a note card for that one!