The news reported that 21 Coptic Christians were beheaded by ISIS in Libya. More carnage from a group that can’t seem to get enough blood. They also seem to be intentionally discovering new ways to torture and kill people – one of the latest being to burn alive.
In years past, I have read the book of Revelation noting that it mentions the beheading of select members of God’s people. Years ago that seemed so strange and odd. Today, it suddenly has relevance.
And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 20:4-5
Revelation indicates that these martyrs hold a special place in God’s heart. Whether this vision by John in Revelation represents all those martyred or just a select group; that’s up for debate. But the general direction of the passage is that God keeps and ultimately vindicates those who have paid for faith with their own blood. They are ultimate victors more than they are victims.
Let’s also not forget John the Baptist who faced the same fate. He was beheaded at a banquet over a party favor! (Matthew 14:10).
Jesus’ words serve as a comfort to some and a warning to others. Jesus puts it this way,
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
There are worse things than dying at the hands of murderers.
Brian Boone 
Leave a comment