There is a dark period in Christianity where the ideal of martyrdom overtook common sense, and people deliberately sought to be martyred as a statement of belief in Jesus. Though wonderful that they were so passionate in their faith, the issue was that many were serving self-interest through voluntary martyrdom, thereby making it a works act, and may not have been God’s Call for them.
‘Christian History Institute’ delves into this volunteer martyrdom movement.
Genesis 22 vs 11-13, not only is a remarkable testimony of Abraham’s faith in God, but the incredible willingness of Isaac to be a martyr if that was his lot in life.
As we digest the depth of trust, it helps us to have context. Abraham was roughly 100 years old, and Isaac 33 years. Isaac could easily have escaped from Abraham. Rather Isaac acted in faith, even if it meant martyrdom. Isaac didn’t deliberately seek martyrdom, but his mindset was on obedience even if it resulted in such. Although, not a Christian, Mahatma Ghandi explains this concept of potential martyrdom without volunteering it.
‘Enduring Word’ has an incredible study note that shifts our focus from deliberately dying for martyrdom towards living as martyrs for Christ.
This distinction is so critical to understand. One of my favourite quotes dealing with Recovery says it bluntly, but so perfectly, regarding living martyrdom.
It is quite easy to have a cultish view about dying for a belief, but how many are willing to lay down everything God says is evil, sin, and destructive? It is in some sense almost self-glorifying to die for the ideal of martyrdom, especially if leading up to that point our lives are polluted with self-aggrandizing through hedonism.
Jesus didn’t die a martyr. Jesus gave His Life for the purpose of saving mankind. Yet, Jesus tells us that we must expect persecution for being His Disciples. To quote: “Jesus says no one has taken His life from Him, which is the definition of martyrdom. Rather, Jesus voluntarily gave up His life on the cross. Therefore, Jesus’ death does not fit the definition of the word. Just as Jesus Himself cannot be compared to any other person, since He is the only begotten Son of God, so was His death wholly unique and incomparable to any other death in human history. “- https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-answers/was-jesus-a-martyr
Living martyrdom is critical to the Christian Consciousness. Our lives must aim at dying to self, picking up our cross, and following Jesus’ even if that ends up dying for following Jesus. Our life is to be like Isaac, obedient irrespective of the end result.
Besides, even if we are to be martyrs in the full sense, what joy as we get to be with Jesus here and there.
AMEN
#Hayibo 