So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name.  – Acts 5:41

I’ve read Richard Wurmbrand’s book, Tortured for Christ a couple of times.  He was a Romanian preacher who preached when he was not allowed to do so.  The simplest of recantations would have gotten him out of prison and reunited him with his family, but he always refused.  In prison, he was still forbidden to preach.  He and a few others decided that it was worth the beatings to be able to share the gospel.  Hence, Richard Wurmbrand was “Tortured for Christ.”  

This past Sunday I preached up at a wonderful little church up in Mountain Rest.  Every time I fill in, they pay me.  I was discussing with someone about just how much they pay me.  I told them, “Look, I’m more than glad to do this for free.  I feel the Presence of God mightily when I’m here . . . that is all the payment I need.”  They ended up saying that they were going to pay me anyway.

I sit here wondering if I would still do it if I knew my payment would be a beating.  The council of the Sanhedrin told the disciples they were not to preach.  The disciples knew it would cost them if they did.  Acts 5:40 says that they were flogged . . . simply for preaching about Jesus.  A quick Google search says there are about 370,000 church congregations in the United States.  How many of them would still hold services if the money was taken away and the payment was 39 lashes from a whip?  

Richard Wurmbrand said it was worth it.

The apostles said it was worth it. 

I think it is worth it.

I wonder if the days are approaching where we will be made to prove it.

Lord, I live in the ease and comfort capital of the world.  All of us give so much of our resources to eating out, streaming services, phone and internet services, overpriced drinks, and comfortable cars and homes.  Richard Wurmbrand missed how present You were to Him in prison.  He said You were worth the torture that he received.  I’ve endured threats and I’ve had people reject me for Your Name, but I’ve never received anything like Richard or the apostles.  Lord, give me the strength I need to never reject Your Name.  Sometimes, when I play music at certain places, I get a little scared when it comes time to play a song for You.  I’ve even chickened out a couple of times.  Help me to never ever do that again.  I love You, Lord.  You are still and always will be the best thing this life offers.  Amen.