"But even if I am bled out as a libation on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you," Philippians 2:17.
Who in the world says stuff like that?! That they're glad to be offered in sacrifice? Some modern analysts speak of a so-called martyr complex, a desire one might have to suffer and die for causes. Doubtless, a few folk, not many, just look for such causes. Very, very few, indeed. (Martyrs genuinely trade their lives selflessly for others' lives.) But mostly, that's just how some analysts, and would-be analysts, dismiss noble impulses in gentle folk that challenge their own self-obsessions. So, who says stuff like that? People who know the fleeting happiness of this world is timed, who know an inexpressible, eternal joy is breaking out from God's presence. Sky kingdom.
We meet a brother or sister today, children of God, shining as lights in this passing world toward a coming world. And, together, we give joyful thanks to be counted worthy to suffer for Jesus.
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