“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

In February 2015 twenty Coptic Orthodox Christians were killed for their faith in Lybia by Muslim terrorists. They had been labourers. These murders were shown on TV by the Islamic State. 

The twenty Christians were paraded out onto a beach in orange suits. It’s a hard image to forget. It’s too horrifying. Behind each of them was a Muslim terrorist. The video was titled: “A message signed with blood to the nation of the cross.” 

Clearly, this was about faith in Christ. It was also clear that they were about to be beheaded for the cameras. 

But actually, there weren’t twenty of them, there were twenty-one. There was another man, Matthew Ayariga. Not much is known about him. He was most likely from Ghana, but it’s hard to be sure. 

When the others were being interrogated about their faith, Matthew had a chance to deny being involved with them. He could have denied Jesus. 

So, what did he say knowing that he could have readily escaped? He said: “Their God is my God.” 

Why in the world would he do that?

He was showing love for his brothers and for his God in the moment that mattered most. “Their God is my God.”

Because he made the good confession, he was put in line with the others and was eventually marched out onto the beach for decapitation on Islamic State TV.

I hope you’re never in a situation like that. It’s horrifying. But you may be called upon to talk about your faith. Or to defend Jesus. You may even be mocked or rejected. 

In those situations, what will you do? 

Stand firm. Be faithful. Jesus is at our Father’s right hand interceding for you (Romans 8:34). Lift high his name. Love unabashedly. And like Matthew Ayariga, may you one day receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 

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Notes:

-“Christian is also a Verb.” Click here. Sermon.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.