Dying for Christ—the Blessing of Persecution

The level of persecution against Christians in North Korea is on the rise. Fearful of any opposition, the government has labeled Christian activities as criminal. Of the estimated 400,000 Christians in North Korea, about a quarter are being held in political prison camps. Open Doors Ministry estimates that over 1,000 were killed last year; numerous others tortured and used for testing biological and chemical weapons.

It is so easy for us to take our religious freedom for granted. Most, if not all of us, have never known anything else. Earlier this week I spoke of the persecution of Godly men, not afraid to speak their faith, e.g., Brit Hume and Tim Tebo. After reading about the persecuted Christians in North Korea, I must recant—I misspoke. There is no persecution in America—no torture, no beheadings; the worst thing any Christian must bear is hurt feelings!

We American Christians think our freedom from persecution means we are blessed by God. But Jesus said “blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:11-12). Since almost all of the prophets Jesus refers to were killed, it seems quite apparent that the blood of martyrs is precious to Jesus and those who have died for His sake are indeed blessed; in fact, they will receive a special reward for their actions (Rev 14:13, 16:6).

By saying they are blessed, I don't mean for a second to diminish their pain and suffering. Let's not forget to pray that God will comfort the persecuted Christians in North Korea. But let's also pray, should the time come, that we will be willing to die for Christ and receive the blessing of persecution.