A Martyr’s Grace By Marvin J Newell – Africa:
Meditate on Ella Mary Shenck’s words, “That which our lives cannot do, our deaths may do”. What does this line provoke in you? What is stirred in you? What comes to your mind as you meditate on this line?
Reflecting on this line, I can’t help but think of several other stories in this book. So many times, we see the work continue after the martyr’s death. Hundreds, if not thousands, converted and/or rededicated to Christ by their stories, churches erected in their memory, entire cultures changed not just because of the life of the missionary, but because of their death.
I’m also reminded of Christ. Who gave His life for us all. It’s not the life of Christ, but His death that saves us. As Christians, we talk about living “Christlike” lives. Well, how much more “Christlike” does it get than to give our lives for the sake of others? To give our lives so that others may know Him? To give our lives that others may live?
Of course, none of us should seek martyrdom, but what an honor it would be. Just imagine the crowns these 21 examples are wearing right now in the presence of our Lord. Stories like Ella Mary Shenck’s should inspire us all to live lives like her and the others in this book, and they should encourage us to hope and to pray for the courage to die, if necessary, just as they did, so that others may know Christ and live.