September 14, 2025

Jesus never said following him would be easy. In fact, he prepared us for the opposite, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Following Jesus means taking up our cross daily, and following him no matter the cost (Luke 9:23). Peter writes to the first century persecuted church, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12–13).

This Sunday, we will examine the historical account of the very first Christian martyr, Stephen, in Acts 6–7. Stephen was one of the seven chosen to administer the fair and equitable distribution of food to the widows, but his ministry went far beyond that. He was an outspoken contender of the faith. That got him in trouble with the temple leaders. In anger, they put him to death because of his faithfulness to Jesus.

When we read accounts like this, it’s important to remember that Christianity is still the most persecuted religious group in the world today. While some of us may not face daily threats of violence or death for the name of Christ, many of our brothers and sisters around the world are in constant danger. It is passages like this that they look to for deep courage and fresh resolve as they face the fire with faithfulness to Jesus.

When I ask global leaders facing suffering how we can pray for them, they always ask, not for the suffering to end, but that they might remain steadfast for Christ no matter what. We have much to learn from the global church when it comes to suffering for the name of Jesus. Their suffering must not be sentimentalized. It is horrendous and evil. Yet they testify that God is their great Redeemer. What is meant for evil, God is redeeming for good. Like the apostles, our brothers and sisters rejoice in being “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” of Jesus (Acts 5:41). The global church helps us see the abundant resources Christ provides His people in the midst of profound suffering. God is enough, come what may. It is in the fire that we realize we are never alone and discover that God is always enough.

In these trying times, let us discover from Stephen what it means to stand faithfully for Jesus to the utter end, for in Christ we are loved, more than we know.