Punishable by Death

In many countries that today are considered civilized and advanced, it was once illegal to read the Bible. In some cases, it was illegal to hear the Bible being read, to preach the Word of God, to talk about the Bible, or even to pray to God in secret. Such “offenses” were punishable by death.* But in spite of bitter persecution, the truth flourished. It was said that the blood of the Christian martyrs was seed.† The early Christian church thrived in the midst of tremendous opposition.

There is something about difficult times that calls the best from the hearts of believers. Peter spoke to this when he wrote in 1 Peter 4:12, 13, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4).

In the book Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, we read on page 10, “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel.

But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple.

Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace.”‡ It is fascinating that it is the “precious stones” that are polished.

As difficult as trials may be to endure, God knows that the challenges that confront the church are ultimately for the good of the church.

God may be glorified, even in life’s most bitter challenges.

He is always present. Trials, which often push people away from God, are designed to draw us to Him.