Philippians 1:21-24 (NIV)
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Knowing the possible fate that awaited him, Montoya still asked the church to send him to minister in this dangerous region. The risk was great, but the need for people to hear the Gospel was greater. Armed only with God’s love and a conviction to serve, he left the safety of the city to minister in rural, guerrilla-controlled communities. Faith had overcome fear as Francisco Montoya demonstrated the greatest love of all. (Foxe: Voice of the Martyrs: AD 33-Today, Kindle Location: 4,375)
This is supernatural death. It is not an otherworldly reality that is outside of our Christian norm. Rather, we are to daily live in the rhythm of living in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Hence, like Stephen and Apostle Paul, it is to live full of the Holy Spirit, walking daily in the death of Jesus by being given over to loving God and loving others passionately. Stephen’s life was marked by empowered evangelism (healing, preaching, defending the gospel, serving the needy), which is the mark of the supernatural death in Christ.
Prayer: Lord, may we live daily in your supernatural life, death, and resurrection power. May our lives be marked by the fullness of your Holy Spirit and faith. May we be given over to loving you and others passionately. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let’s worship to the song Surrender All by Jesus Culture. (Click Here)
-GK