Dying to self will give Christians courage to take on today’s lions

A short but powerful scene appears in the 2016 movie “Risen.” 

The fictional movie is about a Roman military tribune, Clavius, who is tasked to investigate the mystery of what happened to Jesus following His Crucifixion. 

Bartholomew, one of Jesus’ apostles, is summoned to come before Clavius to testify of the whereabouts of Jesus.  

Bartholomew is ecstatic to tell Clavius that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead and he personally has seen him alive. 

Clavius does not believe him and threatens to kill him if he doesn’t tell him the truth. 

To this, Bartholomew bends to his knees and, with a smile and his arms lifted to Heaven, declares he would happily submit to death, stating that Jesus’ death and resurrection means eternal life for all who believe in Him.

The situation Bartholomew finds himself in should make every Christian pause and determine how they would answer in a similar situation—because, ultimately, every follower of Jesus will someday choose if they will stand with Jesus or with the world. 

Where will you stand? Your answer will ultimately determine your steps and attitude as you live in this world—will you be ready at any moment to surrender all for your Savior, including your life? If so, what an instrument you will be for the Lord to use to live courageously for Him! However, if you don’t, you may hear our Lord say some day, “I never knew you; depart from me.” Matthew 7:23 

Throughout this issue you will read how Christians across the country are being told to “be silent” about their faith. Or, they are being sued, fired or jailed because they have courageously stood up for Jesus.

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