All Saints
And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. Hebrews 11:35-38
Many social gospel preachers point to the victories of the saints and promise their listeners earthly rewards in their daily lives. If those victories don’t come, they are told, "You didn’t believe enough." While the Lord has and does grant many victories, He does not promise that our lives will be easy or full of earthly successes. After describing many examples of victories in the lives of the saints, the Holy Spirit goes on to describe what might look like examples of failures and defeats.
Think about the many saints whose lives were full of suffering, pain, and loss. Abel was killed by his jealous brother. Joseph was slandered by his master’s wife and wrongfully imprisoned. David spent years on the run in the wilderness, hiding from mad King Saul. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern and left for dead. Daniel and his friends were abducted from their homes and taken into captivity in Babylon. Stephen was stoned to death because of His confession in Jesus, and James was killed by Herod. There were many others. The elderly Christian pastor Polycarp was burned alive while tied to a post. The noblewoman Perpetua and her servant Felicitas were taken from their children, scourged, and attacked by animals before being put to death by the sword. All for the sake of Jesus. All with His suffering for them in mind as they followed in His steps.
Of saints like this the world is not worthy!
Lord, give us Your strength to bear the crosses and trials of this life. Amen.
And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Lutheran Hymnal 463:5