Day 263: Martyrs

Revelation 6; Nehemiah 8:13-9:37; Psalm 101

I'm not for certain exactly what the 4 horsemen in this chapter in Revelation represent, but my best guess are the Antichrist, war, famine, and death, in that order. However, what stands out to me in this chapter are not the four horsemen, but the image of the martyrs. They are under the altar waiting for God to fulfill the judgment. What is powerful is God's response to them: "each of those who had been killed was given a white robe and told to rest for a while." They are washed clean, clothed with honor and purity, and given peace. That is so beautiful! However, what comes next is both sad and powerful: "They had to wait until the complete number of the Lord's other servants and followers would be killed." Ouch. What are these martyrs beneath the altar waiting for? What is God waiting for? For others who proclaim Christ to meet their death at the hands of others. Because of their faith, they will be killed. I kind of assume this will happen during the end times, but at the same time, people TODAY will be killed for their faith all over the world. I am in awe of those who would truly give up their life to stand firm for Jesus Christ and I can only hope and pray that I would be able to demonstrate that same faithfulness in my life and death if that was the case.

These passages of Nehemiah are an example of humility and acknowledging who God really is. The people had fallen far away from God, but they wanted to do things right again, so they read the Word and followed it. They had a worship service that lasted 6 hours! Some Christians today would be appalled that a service would last a minute more than the allotted 60 per week. Then they offer up this prayer of their history. They recognized that they and their ancestors had turned away. During times of prosperity and peace, they would forget about God seek foreign idols, and God would turn them over to their desires. When they were stuck and helpless, they would finally cry out and God would rescue them again. This history shows two things: first, that people are forgetful and needy, and second, that God's love never fails.


This psalm explains how we can live and lead with integrity, to be honest and fair. The last four verses say this: "Anyone who spreads gossip will be silenced, and no one who is conceited will be my friend. I will find trustworthy people to serve as my advisers, and only and honest person will serve as an official. No one who cheats or lies will have a position in my royal court. Each morning I will silence any lawbreakers I find in the countryside or in the city of The Lord." So who should we surround ourselves with? With those who are trustworthy and honest. What should we do everyday? Silence the gossipers and lawbreakers. To do this is to demonstrate integrity; may God help us to do these things.