Tertullian, one of the early Church fathers of the second century coined the term, “the blood of the martyrs is seed for the church.” No doubt, anytime the church has faced persecution, she has always increased. The early Church was greatly persecuted yet there was an incredible harvest of souls. There seems to be a connection between martyrdom and the harvest. God had to sow his only son to reap the world.
The early Church fathers were no strangers to persecution and martyrdom. Many were beheaded, some were jailed, some were fed to lionssome were stoned to death and others were burnt at the stake. But in the midst of the persecution, they experienced undeniable glory. It is said that Christians rejoiced as they were fed to lions in the Roman Colosseum. It became a thing of joy to die for the gospel of Christ. One of the signs that Jesus gave for the end times was that believers would be greatly persecuted and even killed.
“Then shall they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” (Mathew chapter 24 verse 9)
The coming persecution
If martyrdom was a common feature of the early church, I believe the last day church will have her fair share of intense persecution and martyrdoms. We have spoken a lot about the great acts of the apostles manifesting in greater portions in this last age but what about the martyrdom of the apostles. It is true that there will be great outpourings across the nations but there will also be great persecution.
Take for example, the case of Israel Falou. He was fired for simply posting a scripture on social media. We must prepare even as things like things become common in today’s society. The time is coming when Christians will be jailed for speaking the truth. I believe in the days to come, it’ll become more difficult to to openly proclaim the Gospel.
Blood speaks
As seen from the case of Cain and Abel, blood speaks. I believe that the blood of a martyr speaks the heart of the martyr. Some of the disciples willingly laid down their lives. They saw beyond their time. Their blood keeps crying for souls to be saved. The Cry of a martyr’s blood is not for vengeance but for salvation
Martyrdom is a calling
Just as some of the early Apostles were called to lay down their lives.Some would be called to do just that in these last days. We must realize it’s a call and not something we choose. Some will be sent to hostile places where they’d be killed for speaking the truth. Some months ago, a fine young American missionary named John Allen Chau was killed in his quest to spread the Gospel to North Sentinel, an island inhabited by an hostile tribe. Many saw his approach as foolish but thank God, the wisdom of man is foolishness before God.
It is such boldness that brought us the truth we now proclaim. I believe this young man followed the leading of Christ and met his end among the unsaved islanders. I don’t know how that tribe would get saved but I know there is a blood crying for their salvation. Please we must honor John Allen Chau by praying for those islanders. The Gospel would not have reached us today without the many men and women who laid down their lives to see the truth March on.
If you’re reading this, take a moment to honor those who gave their lives for the spread of the Gospel. Their death was never in vain. Their voices are still heard before the throne, crying for the salvation of souls. Also take a moment to pray for the Arab nations, Myanmar North Korea, China and other places that are still against the spread of the Gospel. Let us join our voices with those who cry before the throne, “the earth shall be filled with his glory. Even the sons of the bond woman shall declare the praise of Yahweh. We cry for a great harvest of souls.”
Rume Kpadamrophe is an evangelist, writer and researcher based in Lagos, Nigeria. Rume speaks French and English and loves to travel. He has a strong desire to see revival ignited and sustained in the nations of the world.Rume’s email address is rumekpadamrophe@yahoo.com
Rume's previous articles may be viewed athttps://www.pressserviceinternational.org/rume-padsmrophe.htm