From Deserter to Martyr

What changes a deserter into a martyr? Keep Reading...

​READ
Acts 2:1-13

KEY VERSE
Acts 12:2 - He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

THINK ABOUT IT
James, brother of John - disciple of Jesus

I ran from Him. I ran to save my neck. When the guards came into the Garden of Gethsemane, they bound Jesus and led him away to the courts. At that time, my three years of training went out the window. I fled along with my friends. I ran from Jesus. Matthew 26:56

I know Peter usually takes the blame for denying Jesus. But the truth is - we all ran. We all hid. None of us wanted to be associated with Jesus and take the risk of execution. I was a deserter.

Even after Jesus rose and eventually ascended into heaven, the cloud of betrayal still hung over my head. I couldn't shake the memories of my desertion. Until something happened... until Someone came. Jesus had promised that the Father would send another One to be with us. But I couldn't imagine how that One could be as good as Jesus.

But when the Holy Spirit came, everything changed. Suddenly, I didn't witness for Jesus out of duty or to make up for past wrongs. I just wanted tell everyone about what I had seen and heard. I wasn't worried about saving my reputation, my friendships, much less my own neck. I was filled with a new power - a power to gladly be associated with Jesus, to be known as "one of those people" - a Jesus' follower.

Yes, it cost me my life. But when the time came, I wasn't worried. I didn't run. I met the Holy Spirit. He changed me from a deserter to a martyr.

PRAY
Dear Holy Spirit, I want to know You. I want to be filled with Your power to boldly stand up for Jesus, no matter what the consequence. Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with Yourself. In Jesus' name, Amen.