Your Final Answer

On a popular game show, the host asks, “Is that your final answer?”  Since you put it that way, uh … well … maybe … probably … hmmm … let me think about this.  Don’t you hate that!

 

If death was looking you in the face, would you be true to Christ?  Before you answer, consider how easy it is to disregard how things are in other parts of the world.  As broken as America is, in this “land of the free,” it’s still [quite] the “land of the free.”  OpenDoors International recently released its 2016 World Watch List – the 50 most dangerous places to live as a Christian, where Christian persecution is highest – and North Korea [again] topped the list.  As we see a rise of threats against religious freedoms in this country, [so far] we don’t fear death for owning a Bible, or attending church, or talking about our faith.  It’s a matter of life or death, however, in places like Egypt, Mexico, China, Kenya, Jordan, and others.  Truth is, there are places around the globe where men, women, and children suffer greatly simply because they love Jesus.  Their stories inspire us as they refuse to denounce their belief in Christ.  They are confident and strong in Him Who gave His life for them, and yes, even unto death.  The Prophet Isaiah said, “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.” (25:8).  Are there no sweeter, more precious words known to man than “the LORD has spoken.”  I don’t know, perhaps there will come a day when we must consider our “final answer” … what will you say, what will I say?  Know this, there are some who will face that question today!  Remember to pray for those whose courage is not of this world, and pray your faith is equally strong and steadfast.  Let us consider our … final answer.