A branch manager at Life Insurance Corporation in Alirajpur, Mr. Sushil Nathaniel, 58, had travelled to Jammu & Kashmir for holidays with his wife, daughter, and son. As reported in the Newspapers, a group of terrorists attacked the tourists. His wife, Jennifer, said: “He had probably sensed that something bad was going to happen and asked his wife to hide. They got him to kneel and asked his religion and told him to recite the Kalima. When he said he was a Christian, they shot him.” (The Hindu, 23 April 2025)
Persecuted without cause: Sushil, who became a martyr, did not know the perpetrators of the violence. There was no prior enmity or hatred or fight against the violent wicked. The Lord Jesus Christ said that His disciples would be hated and persecuted for no reason or without a cause. If the world had hated the Master, the disciples also would have been hated. (John 15:18-25)
Killed: In front of his wife, daughter, and son, Sushil was shot dead. Mary had to witness the brutal killing of her Son, Lord Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary. The Lord taught disciples not to be afraid of those who had just limited power to kill the body and have no power over the inner person or soul. (Matthew 10:28)
Identity: When the death threat was evident, he refused to tell lies. He refused to deny the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave him identity, dignity, and eternal life. Those who repent of their sins, receive the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives are granted the right to become the children of God, a new identity. (John 1:12)
Fear of death: Christians need not be afraid of death. Of course, death is an enemy and, according to Paul, the last enemy to be destroyed. (I Corinthians 15:26-28) By resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated his divinity as well as the powerlessness of death. Hence, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are delivered from the bondage of fear of death. (Hebrews 2:15)
Do I have a new identity that defies death?