Resurrection hope & the persecuted church

I was reading and reflecting this morning (on Good Friday) about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.

A myriad of thoughts and emotions have flooded my mind and heart, but allow me to share one as you prepare yourself spiritually for Easter.

The leaders that we equip and encourage (and who encourage us) face persecution, prison, and punishment as a way of life. They are intimidated by the authorities. They are ostracized from their cultures because of their faith.

I recently read an interview with a Chinese house church leader that revealed the deep genuine faith of our brothers and sisters who live in the shadow of daily danger.

The question was asked, "Can you explain some of the preparations the leaders receive."

In the midst of a longer answer these words leapt off the page "We teach them how to die daily. This is very important because of the persecution leaders face."

"Die daily"?

Perhaps if we truly understood the resurrection power that is found only through Jesus Christ we too might be prepared to "die daily".

Father, may we each catch a glimpse of the depth of Your resurrection power this Easter. May that fuller understanding prepare each of us to die daily for the sake of the Kingdom. Amen