The cost of faith

I've been preaching through the book of Revelation on Sunday evenings at Prestoncrest. It is a book that was written to Christian communities facing persecution by the Roman imperial authorities. The brothers and sisters who were facing legal, economic, and social sanctions by Rome could have so easily appeased the government. They didn't have to renounce their faith in Christ, but only acknowledge that Caesar is a god as well. It may have seemed like a simple thing to Rome and to non-Christians of that ear, but it wasn't an option for the disciples. Jesus alone was their Lord. Because of their faith and conviction in the lordship of Christ, many early Christians would face punishment and death.

One of the reasons that the book of Revelation is so mysterious to 21st century American Christians is that we, in no way, can appreciate what it was like to live under such persecution. Our pews are cushioned, our buildings air-conditioned, our faith protected by the Constitution, and our contributions tax deductible. I thank God for the freedom to worship in the USA. I thank God that as a Christian, I can worship Jesus and live under his lordship without facing criminal sanctions. I also thank God that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others are protected under the US constitution.

This week, I've been reminded of the blessing that it is to live here. It's simply not safe to be a disciple of Christ in much of the world.

In China, where Ila and I traveled and spoke to Christians last week, the church operates outside the law. It's not exactly criminal to worship Christ, it's just that there are absolutely no legal protections unless one chooses to become part of the state sponsored 3 Self Church. This past Easter, a number of Christians were detained to prevent them from gathering to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Last week, I met a woman who desires to place her faith in Christ, but her husband, whose job depends on being on good standing with the Communist Party, has forbidden her from converting. To protect his excellent and high-paying job, he allows her to attend any and all gatherings of the church, but she can not be baptized into Christ.

The Supreme Court of Iran just upheld the conviction of apostasy for Yousef Nadarkani (photo above). Yousef is a thirty-something Christian pastor. He is married and has two young sons. Last week, his conviction was upheld and he is expected to be executed within the next 24 hours. He has been given four opportunities to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ, but he refuses. Iran wants him to "repent" of his faith in Jesus and return to Islam.

"Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?" Nadarkhani reportedly said at his trial. "To the religion of your ancestors, Islam," the judge replied, according to the American Center for Law & Justice. "I cannot," Nadarkhani concluded.

What is most troubling is that the death penalty for Christians in Iran is normally reserved for Muslims who convert to Christianity, but in Yousef's case, he has never been a Muslim. The Supreme Court has ruled that since he comes from a Muslim family, he is nonetheless guilty of death.

I believe that the Iranian government is going all-in on Pastor Youcef's case because they believe that he will change his mind and renounce his faith. I pray that the government of Iran will repent. I pray that they will realize the injustice they are about to commit, humble themselves, and save Youcef's life. Most of all, I pray that the Lord will strengthen Youcef's faith and use whatever happens to his glory!

Rev 7:14-17 "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."