The Church

The pounding grows louder and louder. The wooden door shudders under the rapid blows. Minutes pass by, seeming like eternity. The small group huddles in the corner. They have been fortunate—blessed—protected for the last few years. Living in a neighborhood where the Roman soldiers are more concerned about feeding their pleasures, than rounding up families, old men, children, women, men, for some professed religious belief.

Now, however, the wind has changed. Within one week, this tiny assembly of believers has feared for their lives. This people—they are known only as ones who are “in the Way.” Sounds superstitious to outsiders. Spiritual, though called “atheistic” because these varied peoples refuse to serve gods made by human hands, no idols, no icons, no physical representation of the Deity to whom they are loyal unto death.

Yes, even death. Cities far and wide have witnessed the violence. Brutal culture exults in the death of the defenseless… even ones who refuse to give a defense. Yet, death is required because these people—soon to be known as “Christians”—also refuse to deny the Kingship of their God.

And…

Refuse to incriminate other Christians. Their so-called “brothers and sisters” in the faith. What kind of loyalty would die to save another?

The previous writing is a dramatization of what might have happened in the early church. Maybe a generation after Jesus had died and rose again. The Church was growing, increasing, even thriving. Persecution came in waves. What many thought would eliminate the problem of the Christians only served to increase their numbers. They were peculiar in their lifestyle and in their loyalty.

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13