Extreme Devotion to Jesus

12/15/2010 Loving God Journal

Learn -

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.  Revelation 6:9-11 ESV

Observe -

The ESV Study Bible says, "Under the altar in heaven, where sacrificial blood would pool (Ex. 29:12), John sees the souls of believers who were slain (thus they are pictured as sacrifices) for bearing witness about Jesus (cf. Rev. 20:4). Their lament, 'how long … ?' echoes that of the psalmists (Ps. 13:1; 89:46). The surprising answer is that the Lamb will restrain his wrath against his witnesses' assailants until the last martyr has been slain. Until then, the souls of deceased saints will rest a little longer (Rev. 14:13) in the white robe of victory and purity (cf. note on 2:17; also 3:4–5; 7:9, 14). The rest of the book progressively shows how the Lord answers their prayers to avenge their deaths, beginning in 6:15–17 with the very ones who had put them to death."

Note that there is a longing for justice that God has placed in us.  But God's people wait for Him to execute justice.  The waiting may be accompanied with a "...how long?" That is normal.  But still, God's people wait.

(This is instructive for those who have been abused.  Justice will come.  Wait on the Lord.)

Note also that God has sovereign purposes for the martyrdom of His people.  Why else would He wait to execute justice until the complete number of them has been fulfilled?  He is waiting for more to be martyred.  

These people who showed that they value Jesus more than life itself will enhance, fulfill, and complete heaven's worship.  For all eternity, they will be examples to everyone that Jesus is the pearl of great price, the treasure in the field (see Matthew 13). He is worth more than life and breath.

This makes my worship seem so weak, so lukewarm.  What am I doing that shows sacrifice?  Have I become too comfortable?

One more thing to note... There are martyrs today.  Since Jesus hasn't returned yet, it must mean that the number of martyrs is increasing.  We must pray for the persecuted church around the world.

Value - 

Do something sacrificial today to worship. Pray for the persecuted church.  See www.persecution.com

Express -

Lord, You are worthy of the supreme sacrifice.  Thank You for the example and for the faith and for the love and for the devotion of the martyrs.  Forgive me for such lukewarm worship.  Forgive me for being so pitifully inadequate in my sacrifice.  I want to serve You with a white-hot heart.  Truly, You are worthy of every bit of sacrifice that I can muster.  I am sorry that I want comfort so much.  Help me want You more than anything.  Thank You that You have died in my place to forgive my sin of wanting ease and comfort.  But let me never let the fact of my forgiveness become an excuse to become comfortable in my sin.  I want to be a radical, revolutionary follower of Jesus.  Make it so, Lord Jesus.  Amen.