Remember the Body

Remember those who are in prison as if you were in prison with them

and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

                                                                               Hebrews 13:3

I used to subscribe to Voice of the Martyrs newsletters, and there were seasons in my life when I actively remembered persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. But it occurred to me today that I have not earnestly interceded for the global, suffering church for a while. As I read this verse, God reminded me of the multitude of faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who are languishing in prison or being physically attacked because of their faith in Jesus. Recent news has highlighted the plight of the Christians in the Kenyan shopping centre. Our chapel speaker today, a US Congressman, told us that intense persecution and conflict has resulted in the number of Iraqi Christians dropping from 1.4 million to less than 500,000. One of our fellow students here was imprisoned in China because he was an active house church leader. And yet I forget to remember those in prison as though I myself were in prison with them. I somehow forget the many Christians who are beaten and killed for Jesus every day. But I invariably manage to remember when I am hungry or thirsty or tired – and take action to secure food or water or rest. Hebrews 13:3 reminds me of another body that I should be just as concerned about—the body of Jesus Christ, that is, the Church. Lord, help me to remember the other parts of your body who are suffering for you. Remind me daily to pray for them, to encourage them as I can, and to seize opportunities to speak out for them.