Sine Qua Non

April/The Martyr Life

8 April 2010

You have nothing more precious than the love of God, if you perform it: you will not regret adoring the King of clouds...

  - Oengus mac Oengobann, Feilire Oengusso (Irish, 9th century)

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

  - 2 Corinthians 5.14, 15

On the east face of the Cross of Muiredach, where Christ exalted is depicted, we see on His right hand a stream of people coming toward Him. They all have their hands outstretched, but there is nothing in them: "Nothing in my hands I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling." This is the first requirement, the sine qua non, for the martyr life: we must love Jesus completely. We must come to Him with nothing to offer Him but our love and commitment.

And even these come from Him to us as the work of His Spirit in our lives. So we truly come empty-handed, wholly dependent on His grace, controlled by His love for us, to be and do whatever He commands.

Coming to Jesus like this is a daily discipline - not unto justification, but as part of yielding to the Spirit's sanctifying work in our lives. We have nothing with which to impress the Lord Jesus. All that we have is a gift from Him, so we come with empty hands and hearts drawn by His glory to receive from Him whatever He must give us so that we might serve Him for this day.

Are you coming open-handed to Jesus today, drawn by His love for you and your love for Him? Look ahead to the day. What will you need from Him to live His truth and share His love with the people around you? Seek Him for it, for He will give it freely and abundantly, that you might go forth as His witness - a martyr for the King of kings - into every aspect of your life, all your relationships, roles, and responsibilities. Go in the love of Jesus, and watch how His love comes forth in your life.

Today in ReVision: The Shame of Rome

This Week's Download: Be Witnesses - Get this little brochure and make some copies to discuss with your friends.

Order your copy of The Hidden Life and learn how to draw closer to Jesus. At the website, click Publications, then click Waxed Tablet.

T. M. Moore, nacurragh@aol.com