Revelation 6

Daily Devotional from Revelation 6--

Verse 9
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.
 
There is a special honor in heaven for those who are martyred. They will be avenged.
 
While in the USA the likelihood of us being a martyr is very low, unless you go to another country as a missionary, it is important to be praying for our brothers and sisters all around the world who are being tortured, thrown in prison, and killed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are very real realities that we must remember as we live privileged lives as believers in America—we are free to worship Jesus whenever we want; they are not.
 
Remember though, that we are not here to defend ourselves for our faith, but are truly called to die to ourselves, to take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. That comes with bullying, social rejection, and a myriad of other things. Jesus calls us to humbly lay down our pride, our notions, and even our lives for the sake of His Gospel.
 
So today, remember to pray for the martyrs and remember to take up your own cross, whatever that may look like.
 
Annika Sullenger