Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor, was imprisoned for his Christian faith for over a decade, including three years in solitary confinement. “When I was beaten on the bottom of my feet, my tongue cried out,” he remembered. “Why? . . . Because the tongue and feet are both part of the same body.” He referred to Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, in which the apostle addressed the many problems of this new body of believers. For instance, some were suing each other, and others were tolerating sexual immorality.
Paul noted that there “should be no division in the body”, but each part “should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26). Paul sought unity among the believers; he wanted them to show concern for each other.
Wurmbrand endured beatings and imprisonment half a century ago, but believers still face persecution today. And if we are free to worship God, we too will suffer with them, in the language of Paul. We can commit to praying for these sisters and brothers, crying out to our God who makes us all one body. As we ask Him for their release, for strength and hope amid their suffering, we trust that He will hear and answer our prayers.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
How does learning about the suffering and pain of fellow Christians affect you? How could you pray for someone who is imprisoned for their faith today?
Saving Lord, thank You that You have the power and ability to bring freedom and release, even in what may seem to be an impossible situation.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In 1 Corinthians 12:14–26, Paul uses the imagery of the human body as a picture of the family of believers, the church. In Ephesians 1:22–23, the apostle again uses the body to portray the church, but this time with an important addition. Jesus Himself is the Head of that body. The illustration that works so beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12 takes on added clarity with the reminder that the body works, moves, and functions under the leadership and guidance of the Head.
Bill Crowder
Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
LISTEN ONLINE