Beheaded for the Witness of Jesus

- Revelation 20:4

INTRODUCTION

The Bible has received unjust criticism for stating that the end times will see the believers of that time period “beheaded for the witness of Jesus.” Critics mock the idea that the world would return to such a practice of beheading as a means to kill God’s people. Not surprisingly, the last few years have seen a huge resurgence of beheadings. It comes as no surprise to anyone that believes the Bible that there will indeed be people who live in the future who will love the Lord and His word enough to willingly lay their heads on the chopping block. These brave men and women will be offered a means to avoid martyrdom, but their love for the Saviour will compel them to testify even to their death.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): John the Baptist was beheaded for what he believed (Mark 6:17-18 , 27). The Bible gives us a glimpse into his character. He truly knew and loved the Lord (John 1:26-30 ; John 3:30
  ). Jesus gave him a compliment (Luke 7:27-28 a). Oh, that we loved the Lord that much.
• (For everyone): During Daniel’s Seventieth Week, the church will be in heaven with the Lord, but there will still be people who love the Lord enough to willingly die for Him.
• How much do you love the Lord? How important is it to you to be a “witness of Jesus”? Would you be willing to die for what you believe?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank God for all who are and have been willing to die for Him.
• Ask the Lord to give you a stronger love for Him.