Human nature is to resist the truth. Those who reflect the truth, demonstrate righteousness, do good, please God, and condemn unrighteousness will become objects of hatred, envy, and violence. The Lord Jesus Christ taught that his disciples would be hated without a cause, as he was hated. (John 15:25)
Abel: In the history of humanity, Abel was the first victim of murder. His brother saw him as one who had the approval of God, righteous and true. Cain had angst that he was not able to live like his brother. To feel better and superior, he murdered him. (Genesis 4:1-16)
Zechariah: The Lord Jesus said from Abel to Zechariah, who were martyrs for God through the Old Testament period. (Matthew 23:25) Zechariah was ruthlessly murdered between the temple and the altar. (II Chronicles 24:20-22)
Lazarus: A large crowd of people started visiting Lazarus, who was raised from the dead. The chief priests contemplated putting Lazarus to death, along with the Lord Jesus Christ. They wanted to eradicate the testimony of God’s power of resurrection. (John 11: 9-11)
Apostles: Most of the Apostles faced violent death for their testimony. Apostle James was killed by Herod. (Acts 12:1-2) Stephen was stoned to death for his testimony. (Acts 7) Other Apostles, like Peter, Thomas, and others, were victims of violence. It is believed that Paul was beheaded in Rome.
Church history: Over the past two thousand years, thousands and thousands have died as martyrs. They were shot dead, killed with spears, tied and drawn by chariots, drowned, beaten, stoned, burnt alive, starved to death, thrown before animals, buried alive, tortured to death… All the saints who have died as martyrs, their blood would be avenged by the Holy and righteous God, who will judge the wicked. (Revelation 6:9-11)
Contemporary scenario: In the world today, persecution has increased in almost all nations of the world. The persecution comes because of religious intolerance, government policies, racial animosity, envy, political campaigns, wicked propaganda, false narratives, terrorist attacks, radicalized individuals, and mob frenzy.
Am I willing to risk my life for the Lord Jesus Christ, The Way, The Truth, and The Life?