Suicide in Turkey………
Another suicide bombing attack took place yet again. Three terrorists began shooting up Turkey’s International Airport in Istanbul before detonating their suicide vests. The current death toll remains at 42. Unfortunately this is becoming all too common in our world today.I’d like to remind you of a different type of suicide mission that took place in Turkey almost 2 millennia ago.
In 320AD a group of Roman soldiers, 40 to be exact, were arrested in “Sebaste” [Modern day Turkey] for their belief in Jesus “the Christ”. The persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire were making its last big push. The 40 were to be executed and made an example of. They were stripped naked and brought out in the freezing cold winter months to die by hypothermia or recant of their beliefs in the Christ. Should they recant, warm springs and comfort would be immediately provided. Well into the evening, one soldier broke from the 40, recanted and was given relief. The 39 remained steadfast throughout the night. So moved by the Holy Spirit and this act of ‘other worldly’ devotion, an on-looking guard stripped himself of his clothing and stood with the 39, as a brother and believer in Christ! The 40 were complete again. They all died a Martyrs death and church tradition would remember them as “the Holy 40”. It was through courageous acts of love and sacrifice that Roman persecution would eventually bow its knee to Jesus as Lord. It’s a cool story to read about. I’m sure it’s far less fun to actually live out. Fortunately, most of us will never be faced with such a life and death situation, but we are faced with the same question….. Is Jesus the ultimate love of your life? Do you love Him more than comfort, more than YOUR life, or YOUR family, more than YOUR reputation or popularity? Jesus tells a story in Matthew Chapter 13, about what a life with Jesus as the ultimate love of our life is like. He refers to that kind of life as “the kingdom of heaven”
Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
As we discover Jesus as the true treasure of our life, we will find other things will lose their hold over us.
“Lord, help us to see you and experience you as the ultimate treasure of our life and give us the courage and the strength to live heroic lives for you. And Lord, be with, and help those that suffered loss in Istanbul……Amen“