Sheep to the Slaughter

Last night at staff Bible study our opening question was,

Think of a person who makes you want to know God better. Reflect on the qualities you see in that person and on why you are encouraged by them to want to know God better.

Len's reply spoke to my spirit: "King David and Ken Porter. Ken Porter was falsely accused and never once defended himself, even though he had every right to be. That taught me a lot."

We went on to study about Stephen, a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit and was stoned to death for his faith. He preached the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy to proclaim Christ. Challenging.

Phillip kept coming to mind. I finally looked up the Scripture this morning. In the same way, the Eunich was able to use the false accusations against Jesus to proclaim Christ as Messiah. Again a prophey from the Old Testament was fulfilled: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth." Acts 8:32

Imagine being beaten for your faith. Tortured. I have met these men. I have been humbled by their faithful service and dedication to proclaiming Christ as Lord in countries where you are apt to lose your life for loving Jesus.

As for the rest of us? "Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." Hebrews 12:3 & 4