Just as Pastor Li Dexian began his sermon, the doors of the house church burst open. Armed officers of the Chinese Public Security Bureau poured into the room, threatening everyone present and grabbing Li to arrest him.
“Wait, please allow me to grab my bag.” As always, the pastor’s tone with the officers was polite yet firm.
The officers were surprised at the request. “What’s in there?” they demanded, grabbing the black zippered bag Li held and ripping it open. The bag contained a blanket and a spare change of clothes, Li told them, because he had been expecting to be arrested that day.
Pastor Li had been arrested many times. Twice, police had beaten him to the point that he vomited blood, and one time Li’s face was beaten with his own Bible. Li was warned that police were watching the village where he held his Tuesday meetings. He knew if he showed up to preach, he would be imprisoned.
The risks were great, but Li’s bag was packed. More than having a bag packed, though, he had his mind and heart prepared. He was willing to pay any cost to preach the gospel. He was convinced God would care for him—even in prison.
Readiness & sacrifice are both signs of true commitment. For example, consider the marriage commitment. There will sometimes be great sacrifices that must be made, but the result is a stronger marriage. Relationships that are not ready to sacrifice for the sake of commitment do not last.
We must prepare for the test of our commitment by daily affirming that following Jesus is worth it. It’s worth spending our time in daily prayer. It’s worth making the hard decisions to honour Jesus. It’s worth meeting regularly as God’s people. It’s worth enduring hardship and trial, abuse, and for some even arrest, for the glory that is to come. We must maintain our commitment without compromise.
As Peter said "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
