It is not for us to know the measure of the sacrifices we may be called upon to endure. In our time we have seen religious persecution in other lands. Who can say, “WE shall never see it”? On the other hand we have the paradox that we face greater danger in the absence of persecution. We all remember that striking and easily remembered phrase in Moses’ song: “Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked.” This quaintly expresses a fundamental principle of human behaviour. Remember Israel’s history under the Judges … a continuous alternation of repentance and apostasy. While we are not forgetful that there are many heavy crosses borne among us today and the struggle with human nature is the same … still ecclesial life is soft and easy. We have an abundance of temporal provisions. It is no sacrifice to join the ecclesia today. On the contrary, there is considerable social attractiveness in joining, and this is dangerous to our basic strength of character and purpose. Brethren and sisters, if the need arises, are we prepared to go through the crucibal of affliction? The need is ever present to prepare our defences. All in every age find shelter in the same Rock in the time of crisis (Psa. 31:2-3). And we find Stephen echoing the Psalmist’s words of verse 5: “Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth.”
R.W.C.