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Minor Prophets, Part 2: Babylonian Crisis

  1. Lesson One
    Nahum
    23 Activities
    |
    3 Assessments
  2. Lesson Two
    Zephaniah
    22 Activities
    |
    3 Assessments
  3. Lesson Three
    Habakkuk
    19 Activities
    |
    4 Assessments
  4. Lesson Four
    Joel and Josiah
    24 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  5. Lesson Five
    Interpreting Prophecy
    34 Activities
    |
    7 Assessments
  6. Course Wrap-up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment
Lesson 2, Activity 18

In Front | Singing Martyrs

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Christian and Jewish histories are full of people who have suffered with God and for God. Many became martyrs for their faith. There are many accounts of people singing songs of praise to God even while being killed. 

One of the most notable examples of this is the medieval Czech priest, Jan Hus (also known as John Hus). Sadly, he was killed by other Christians over doctrinal issues. As he burned at the stake, he sung in the presence of his oppressors. The word “martyr” comes from the Greek for “witness.” In his dying moments, Hus remained a witness and a praise to the glory of God. An account of this scene is given below.

When the executioners at once lit (the fire), (Hus) immediately began to sing in a loud voice, at first “Christ, Thou son of the God, have mercy upon us,” and secondly, “Christ, Thou son of the God, have mercy upon me,” and in the third place, “Thou Who art born of Mary the Virgin.” And when he began to sing the third time, the wind blew the flame into his face. And thus praying within himself and moving his lips and the head, he expired in the Lord.

– Jan Hus

Source: http://www.columbia.edu/~js322/misc/hus-eng.html 

A more recent and equally compelling story of a “singing martyr” comes from Assam, India in the nineteenth century. Nokseng was a Christian convert who became a missionary. When he was challenged by a tribal chief to renounce his faith, he responded, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” His two children were summarily killed and his wife’s life threatened, to which he responded, “Though none go with me, still I will follow.” Nokseng and his wife were then killed while he sang, “The cross before me, the world behind me.” According to reports, this unflinching testimony led to the conversion of the chief and many in that village. You now know what is behind the story of the famous song, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” 

Reference: https://renewaljournal.com/2017/11/29/the-true-story-behind-the-song-i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus/

Jan Hus and Nokseng are breathtaking examples of praising God at the point of death, but Zephaniah’s message isn’t just for the exiled or martyred. They are easy to admire but may be difficult to relate to. Praising God before “the nations” or unbelievers isn’t only called for when suffering and it doesn’t always have to involve singing. We can witness in praise like the people in Zephaniah—in simple acts in daily life.