By Anthony Rhodes, VP of International Ministry and Operations for VOMC
"If That Were Christ, Would You Give Him Your Blanket?" is the sequel to Richard Wurmbrand's best-selling book, "Tortured for Christ." This little-known book was inspired by the following short testimony:
"Two Chinese Christians shivered with cold in a cell. Each had a thin blanket. One of the Christians looked to the other and saw how he trembled. The thought came to him, ‘If that were Christ, would you give Him your blanket?' Of course, he would! Immediately he spread the blanket over his brother."
The world has changed since Richard Wurmbrand wrote these books and yet, with these changes, persecution has not diminished. The increased attacks against the global church often come as a backlash against its growth. However, the heart of the church continues to beat with a single desire to serve its Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, by loving God and our neighbour. Walking the way of the righteous is not easy but wisdom, guidance and comfort are found in God's Word in verses like Isaiah 43:1b-2.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
I meet many Christians who would prefer not to face the trials of persecution but, nevertheless, daily choose to live out their faith by taking up their cross to follow Him. When challenged to deny Christ or face the consequences, they ask God to help them be faithful in serving as bold witnesses in a hostile world. They understand what many Western Christians struggle to comprehend -- that persecution is not the worst thing that could happen to them; disobedience to God is.
The Gospel advances regardless of opposition. It's as simple as sharing a blanket with a brother to laying down a life for a friend.
So, if that were Christ, would you...?
