Martyrs

1 Peter 1:3-9 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” The early Christians did not have it easy. Their homes were vandalized, and they were tormented without cause. In 177 AD, five Christians in Lyon, France (France back then was called Gaul) were savagely persecuted and put to death in public on false accusations. Today, June 2nd, is the day we honor those who represented Jesus to the fullest extent, called the “Martyrs of Lyon”. Let us pray: Dear God, please give us the strength to honor and serve you regardless of the troubles we face - knowing that our struggles and trials refine and purify our faith, making us more useful to You. Amen. Peace be with you.