For the last few months I have been following the story of Iranian pastor, Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been on trial for apostasy or leaving the Islamic faith. After two years in the courts the final verdict came today, February 22, 2012 from the Iranian High Courts that Youcef should be put to death for converting to Chrisitanity. Youcef, 34 years old, is married with two young children. I urge anyone who reads this post to pray of Youcef and his family.
Youcef's reality stirs my heart especially when I wonder if my own commitment provides enough evidence to indict me for being a CHRISTIAN or ARDENT FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST. Matter of fact, trivial things in life are brought into proper perspective as I compare my present challenges to that of Youcef and his family. I will probably never meet Youcef on this side of heaven but I am his brother and my brother needs my help!! So what can I and others in the Body of Chirst do to help our brother in his time of need? The following are a few thoughts.
1. PRAY - First and foremost we must intercede not only for Youcef but for all of those in the Chrisitan family that face similar life-threatening persecution. Our Heavenly Father is mighty and well-able to deliver Youcef in his time of trouble and I pray that God's presence and angelic host surround Youcef and his family and undergird them with strength and courage. I pray that Jesus will continue to be glorified in their time of testing (Ps. 46:1-2). Remember the effectual fervent prayers of the righteuous makes great power available (James 5:16).
2. STAND UP - Youcef needs for his brothers and sisters in Christ to STAND UP and be counted. He needs us to not only stand with him IN SPIRIT but also in ACTION. Youcef's only indictment is that HE STANDS FOR LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS. Youcef is a minority among a majority of zealous believers that follow a false god, false prophet and false book. Youcef is GUILTY OF ONE THING - RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST JESUS. Youcef's personal reality should challenge every believer, especially those of us who live in free countries in which religious expression is not only allowed, but protected, to stand up for what we believe, preach and live God's word in season and out of season and to take advantage of (not for granted) every opportunity to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While Youcef's indictment is honorable and glorifies God, I wonder if "WE THE PEOPLE" the sovereign governors of the United States were indicted would it be for our unwavering faith in Christ or for ceding spiritual territory to the enemy? Apart from historical revisions, our nation was founded by God fearing men and women, most of whom were ardent followers of Jesus Christ and believers in the Holy Bible. However, if "We the People" were indicted today would it not be for leading all other nations in the consumption of addictive substances (including money and pleasure), having the largest percent of incarceration per capita, being the largest consumer AND exporter of pornography in the world or perhaps for the murder of 50 million innocent lives. These are just a few of the deplorable sins that are prevalent in the U.S. cutlure, none of which are honorable and glorify God. Much territory has been ceded to the "god" of this world but just as Youcef stands against the powers of darkness, there are a multitude of faithful warriors that will not cede any more territory and are doing just what Paul admonished, Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:11-12). Not only is there an army standing we are taking back, REPOSSESSING, what the enemy has stolen!!
3. REFUSE TO COMPROMISE - I love what the three Hebrew young men said as they faced death by fiery furnace in Daniel 3:17-19 when indicted for refusing to bow down and worship - the "god" of King Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king: King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
In the face of death, these young men refused to compromise their faith and bow before a false god. They understood that their physical death translated instantly to eternal life while their physical deliverance translated to REVIVAL. Life either way!!! I love what King Nebuchannezer says as Jesus shows up in the blazing fire and delivers them from death: Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way (Daniel 3:28-29). When we refuse to compromise God will show up and demonstrate His power confirming His word (not ours) with signs, wonders and miracles. Perhaps there is a direct correlation between the absence of signs, wonders and miracles in todays Western church and compromise? I believe the path to revival is simple as revealed in this passage:
Their refusal to compromise resulted in the conversion of an evil, pagan King giving praise to the ONE TRUE GOD. Now that's revival!!
May Youcef's present test quicken the Spirit of God in each of us as we PRAY, STAND- UP and REFUSE TO COMPROMISE in this hour. May God be glorified in the presecution of His church and may the son's and daughter's of God be revealed to a world groaning (Rm. 8:19).
God Bless
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