Jesus The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith

"...others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented: of whom the world was not worthy..." (Hebrews 11:36-38a).

The writer of Hebrews wrote about the faith of our forefathers, the prophets, who endured much for their faith in God.  In our society where pleasure is held in high esteem, where ones self is honored above all others, it seems irrational to think that anyone would hold fast to a belief in an unseen God.  Christianity for the many is nothing more than a place to experience experience.  We come to Church to get our emotional "high" then leave with little change in our lives.  Some dance around like crazy people, swoon over some supposed Holy Spirit experience, it is all about "me" and not much about a real change in our lives.  It is hard to tell some Church services from that of Woodstock, emotions run high, run crazily, and we go away feeling as though we have met God.  The writer of Hebrews tells a different story, Fox's book of Martyrs tells of those who had faith in God, and God alone, it wasn't some self inflicted emotional experience; it was living out Biblical principles under the harsh times they faced knowing that God loved them and one day they would be with Him. It is not just what God will give and do for us, we have a responsibility towards our Savior.

God's grace arrives just as we need it, appropriate for every challenge.  Even if we're lonely? Even if we're ill? Yes. Even if we're tortured?  Even then.

Michael Sattler, born in Germany around 1490, became a Benedictine monk.  As he studied Paul's letters, he grew dissatisfied, left the monastery, married, and became a Lutheran.  Sometime later he became convinced of believer's baptism and became an Anabaptist of growing renown whose ministry attracted both converts and enemies.

Sattler, his wife, and a handful of associates were arrested in mid-1520s and imprisoned in the tower of Binsdorf, where he wrote a letter to his flock: The brethren have doubtless informed you that some of us are in prison.  Numerous accusations were preferred against us by our adversaries; at one time they threatened us with the gallows; at another with fire and sword.  In this extremity, I surrendered myself entirely to the Lord's will, and prepared myself, together with all brethren and wife, to die for his testimony's sake.

On May 20 1527 his torture, a prelude to execution, began at city center where his tongue was sliced.  Chunks of flesh were torn from his body with red-hot tongs, and he was forged to a cart.  On the way to the stake execution the tongs were applied five times again.  Still able to speak, the unshakable Sattler prayed for his persecutors.  After being bound to a ladder with ropes and pushed into the fire, he admonished the people, the judges, and the mayor to repent and be converted.  "Almighty, eternal God," he prayed, "Thou art the way and the truth: because I have not been shown to be in error, I will with thy help to this day testify to the truth and seal it with my blood."  As soon as the ropes on his wrists were burned, Sattler raised the two forefingers of his hand giving the promised signal to his brothers that a martyr's death was bearable.  Then the assembled crowd heard coming from his seared lips, "Father, I commend my spirit into Thy hands."

Sattler's wife was executed by drowning eight days later.

Morgan, Robert J.: On this Day: 265 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs & Heroes.
electronic ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, c1887, S. May 20

If the very knowledge that we have a loving Father, a Savior who died for us, the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us peace, does not bring an emotion, if our trust in the living Word of God does not raise our emotions; then what will?  "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear" (Hebrews 12:28). 

Daily Prayer:

Father forgive my self indulgence, may You have mercy upon me and lead me to be all that You have determined for me.  Thank You for those who have endured unto death, even a horrible death, showing us that in You we can endure anything that this world will throw at us.  I rest in You!                      Amen