http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/6/kim-jong-un-calls-execution-33-christians/
33 of our brothers and sisters will be executed within the next few hours in North Korea.
Because they are Christians. Like us.
“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.” Revelation 6:9-11
OH LORD, save us from our complacency and luke-warmness. Save us from our idols of comfort and convenience. Save us from our obsession with self. Save us from our Western mindset. Save us from our dullness of heart. Wake us up from our comfortable bed of luxury. OH LORD save us!
Here we are – so wealthy in the West. We have food, money, cars, houses, freedom, church buildings, light and sounds systems and, of course, smoke machines, and yet – we are spiritually bankrupt.
They are the rich ones in North Korea. They are the ones for whom a crown of life awaits. They are the ones whose underground churches are flourishing and the Holy Spirit is moving upon. They are the ones who are awake. They are the ones who know Jesus and the “fellowship of His suffering”. They are the ones who are watching for His return.
We are not separate from them. We are all a part of Christ’s Body. Let us pray from them and their families. Let us pray for the persecuted Church.
In Christ’s Name, Amen
Grace and Truth 
March 9, 2014 at 2:07 pm
May this open eyes. Everyday people who follow Jesus are martyred. I have read that more people are martyred now than during the Roman persecution. But it doesn’t make the news, and when it does it seems an extraordinary event. Even here in the west the faithful are persecuted: jobs taken, careers crushed, tenure denied, contempt heaped on in the streets, shunning…
It is there, but the religious close their eyes. I thank God who is with us (and the martyrs) for the enemy may kill the body but not the soul!
Peace
March 9, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Wow, I didn’t know that more now are martyred than during the Roman persecution. We really don’t hear about it! You’re right – there is persecution here in the West, just of a different kind, but still painful….those truly following Christ can be murdered with the tongue in the West – slandered, rejected, falsely accused. I would like to know how much this is happening with CHristians in the West, I think it would be interesting to know. It is very possible to “know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings” here in the West as well, I just think it is in general much, much harder because we surrounded by comfort and affluence. But everyone who lives a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Bless you
March 10, 2014 at 3:41 am
I must look up that reference. But it is true, with pension plans, savings accounts, etc. it is harder to “need” God than in some other places, and so we get “soft” spiritually. I think what persecution happens in the west is about all we can take! I wonder…
Peace
March 10, 2014 at 12:45 am
Praise be to God in the highest, and rest to those who have went before us. Yes, they are murdered for being Christians, but when they open their eyes again, they will see amazing things which we cant see, they will be in so much of a better place. Prayers for Christians around the world !!!!
March 10, 2014 at 8:34 am
Yes praise the Lord for that – they have kept the faith and finished their race, now is laid up for them a crown! God bless
March 28, 2014 at 4:55 am
Praise God that they are now with the Lord
June 12, 2014 at 2:59 am
I’ve been trying to find out whether the 33 Christians in North Korea really were executed or whether they are still awaiting execution. I cannot seem to find any reliable source on this. Can anyone help?
June 12, 2014 at 10:47 am
Hi Ruth. There seems to be no further information available about these 33 people. It is highly probable that the north Korean government has suppressed public communication about this matter.