In the modern world, the concept of victory is often linked to material success and personal achievements. However, for early Christians, victory meant unwavering faith and selfless surrender, even in the face of persecution and death. While the world laughed and rejoiced at the suffering of Christians, they were depicted not as losers, but as victorious pillars of the faith.
“In times of persecution, the selfless act of surrender becomes a testament to the ultimate victory of faith. The early Christians were prepared for the battle, the suffering, and the surrender, thanks to what Jesus was about to tell them.”
It all unfolded during the solemn atmosphere of the last supper, as the 12 disciples gathered with Jesus in a dimly lit upper room in the bustling city of Jerusalem. The flickering candlelight danced on the walls, casting long shadows that mirrored the uncertainty in their hearts. The air was heavy with the scent of freshly baked bread and the lingering aroma of the meal they had shared.
As they sat around the table, their eyes fixed on Jesus, they could hear the distant sounds of the city’s bustling streets, a stark contrast to the weighty silence within the room. Jesus had already humbled himself by washing their weary feet, a gesture that resonated with each disciple, reminding them of his boundless love and servant heart.
But amidst this tender moment, a sense of impending betrayal hung in the air. Jesus, aware of the approaching darkness, spoke to them with a mixture of sorrow and determination. His voice, filled with a profound sense of purpose, carried the weight of his impending sacrifice.
In the midst of sharing the bread and wine, symbols of the new covenant, Jesus unveiled the harsh truth that awaited them. His words were like a bittersweet melody, resonating in their souls. He warned them of the trials that would come, the persecution and death they would face for their unwavering love for him.
The disciples, their hearts heavy with disbelief, clung to his every word, desperate for reassurance and guidance. Jesus sought to strengthen their faith, to prevent them from stumbling on their path. In that sacred moment, the disciples felt a mixture of fear, confusion, and an unwavering loyalty to their beloved teacher.
The room, once filled with hope and anticipation, now held an air of solemnity and foreboding. The disciples, although unaware of the full magnitude of what lay ahead, knew that their lives were about to change forever. In that upper room, amidst the flickering candlelight and the scent of the meal, Jesus prepared his disciples for the trials to come, as they prepared themselves to face the unimaginable.
Jesus opened his mouth and said:
“These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. [2] They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. [3] These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. [33] These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:1-3,33 NASBS
Moving ahead a little more than a century, we come to a period that Tertullian, a prominent member of the early church, described as being so bloody and oppressive that he said “the blood of the martyr is in the seed of the church.” The book Eusebius: The Church History by Paul L. Maier, states that “For the adversary, in the foretaste of his own imminent advent, attacked us with all his might. He used every means to train his followers against the servants of God, so that we were not only excluded from homes, baths, and marketplaces, but were forbidden to appear anywhere. But the grace of God rescued the weak by deploying the strong, pillars of men who drew themselves the full attack of the Enemy and endured every punishment as they hurried to Christ, proving that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.
While many were being dragged to be tortured, imprisoned, and killed just because they confessed to be Christians, a young man named Vettius Epagathus offered to speak in defense of those being accused of being atheistic (not worshiping the Emperor as a God) or impious. The understanding in the Empire was that the wrath of the Gods was coming upon the Empire because the Christians did not comply with their part in worshipping and sacrificing the way the Romans would.
Vettius faced clear resistance and was directly questioned about his affiliation with Christianity. Fully aware of the consequences of openly declaring his faith before the Roman authorities, he bravely admitted to being a Christian. As a result, he earned a revered title among his fellow Christians – “The Comforter of the Christians.” Although this name traditionally belonged to the Holy Spirit, Vettius was a remarkable young man who sacrificed his life in an attempt to protect and defend his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
In stark contrast, many Christians today have become consumed with the relentless pursuit of wealth, success, and comfort. The shift in perspective has distorted their understanding of victory, like a hazy mirage on the horizon. Now, victory is equated with material abundance and worldly achievements, blinding them to the true essence of what it means to be a Christian. The once vibrant path of Jesus, paved with selflessness and sacrifice, has become obscured. The serenity that comes from knowing their ultimate destination feels distant, like an intangible whisper in the wind.
Have we adapted to the ways of the world in exchange for wealth, recognition, and prosperity? It’s understandable if you have. Even Jesus was tempted to do so when he was in the desert. However, I want to invite you to change your ways and start living a more profound and meaningful path in your faith. Instead of living for personal gain, let’s focus on helping others, serving with humility, and working together to expand and sustain God’s kingdom.
We will encounter challenges that surpass the usual struggles faced by every individual. These difficulties will arise when we oppose the corruption prevailing in this world and will result in persecution because of our devotion. Jesus guarantees us this. However, amidst these trials, we will experience an indescribable heavenly peace when we live in accordance with His will and surrender our daily lives to Him.
According to the Bible and the experiences of early Christians, tribulation and persecution are synonymous with a victorious life and are worthy of praise. These hardships often involved the loss of life and possessions, torture, abandonment by loved ones, and being scattered. However, amidst these trials, Jesus assured his disciples of his love, as well as the love of the Father. He sent the Holy Spirit to assist, comfort, guide, and remind them of the truth, giving them the assurance that they are God’s children.
In fact, following Jesus meant accepting a death sentence. But within this death sentence, their will, dreams, aspirations, purpose, mission, and plans were aligned with His Will, dreams, aspirations, purpose, mission, and plans. It is in this place of complete surrender that they found profound peace, a clear sense of direction, and indescribable joy, all in Him!
It is in this place of surrender that we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven!” Will we accept the invitation to redefine our understanding os a successful life as Christians even if we came to face persecution, tribulation, and are obliged to surrender to Him completely?
Let us remember that in times of persecution, the ultimate victory of faith shines through in the selfless act of surrender. Instead of living for personal gain, let’s focus on helping others, serve with humility, and work together for the benefit of God’s kingdom.
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