A couple of weeks ago two missionaries, Davy Lloyd, 23, and his wife Natalie, 21, were killed in Haiti by one of the gangs controlling that country these days. They could have escaped, but wanted to protect the children in the orphanage they were running. After our recent observation of Memorial Day, I thought it important to remember these two saints. Whenever I hear of something like this, I think of this verse:
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” [Psalm 116:15]
I have read that in the last 2000 years, 70 million Christians have been killed because of their faith. Approximately 90,000 last year. My point is that if we accept all of the attributes of following Jesus (can we pick and choose?), we must accept that martyrdom is on the table. I am sure that Davy and Natalie were accepting.
Here I will admit that I don’t have a 100% understanding of the above verse. It’s tough to reconcile ‘precious’ and ‘death’ in the same verse. I seem to understand other verses a little better:
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.“ [Matthew 10:39]
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.“ [Mark 8:35]
Davy and Natalie followed the example of Jesus:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” [John 10:11]
And as you read this, they are rejoicing in Heaven:
“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven….“ [Luke 6:22-23a]
Blessings,
–Keith