By: Juliet Constantine
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)
The pages of history are decorated with stories of how God’s people suffered for their beliefs. The Bible recorded a few in both the Old and New Testaments; but, a deeper look into other historical materials reveals that many of God’s people gave their lives for the gospel of Christ.
Many did not have the luxury of the Bible (or even parts of it) and for the few who did, they hid to read it. The enlightenment of God’s word brought about change, and with change comes opposition. According to Wikipedia, “The Huguenots were members of the Protestant Reform Church of France during the 16th and 17th centuries… By the end of the 17th century and into the 18th century, roughly 500,000 Huguenots had fled France during a series of religious persecutions.” Thousands were slaughtered, and thousand sought refuge in hills and caves – many of whom were found and slaughtered.
It was truly the Dark Ages. It was an extremely difficult time to share God’s words and many of these faithful believers did so under various disguises - just to share God’s words with those who would listen. If any one was caught reading the Bible, they would be killed. Many held to their faith in God’s undiluted Word, refusing to compromise principles and truths taught in the Bible.
People are more enlightened today and the Bible is freely distributed in many countries unopposed. Today, for many, sharing of the Gospel of Christ is much easier; and daily, many converts are won for Jesus Christ. But a few things have changed: the Word of God is not read as it should be, nor its principles held dear and practiced among all its believers. Many seem to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and by their actions, are refusing to be counted. Many compromised its teachings and, instead of being true Protestants, have joined forces.
Notwithstanding, there are always a few - those who will stand, who are not ashamed to be counted. They held dear to, and practiced the teachings of, God’s word. Like Martin Luther, they “cannot and will not recant … for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe” (quotationbook.com). They gave themselves wholly to Christ and are not ashamed.
The hope that maketh not ashamed was the motivating factor and still is today. No matter what life throws at us, this hope in Christ should serve to hold us firmly in our walk with Him. No matter what the circumstances we are facing, let us hold fast the profession of our faith; and like others who’ve gone before us, let us stand like the brave. I am not ashamed. We are not ashamed. We will not compromise Christ. We will carry on. We will read the Bible, internalize its teachings & principles, and stand. We will hold fast the profession of our faith. This hope still burns within our hearts.
Our Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope in the coming of Christ; a time when all that we are facing, will be made plain. Please help us to live and work, now, for You because history will be repeated; and like the Waldensians, we will become fugitives for our faith, if we stand. Please help us to stand for You now, in everything, as these small experiences will serve to strengthen our resolve to stand when harsher things do happen. Keep us faithful always we pray, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
