Contemplations of a Martyr Before His Death
“Dying for this world or dying for Christ — which path should I take? Should I die for something which shall fade and die? Or should I die for someone who is King of a kingdom that shall not fade away and be gone? Should I love because I feel it, and when it is gone, I shall love no more, or should I love because it is every Christian’s duty to love? Should I accept this fate and die for He who died for me, or should I deny Him and live a short time even though I’d be lost forever in hell with chains and worms? Should I take this imprisonment where although in chains I am free as a dove flying to the heavens when I pray to the one who I can love more than all, or with one word shall I be free on the outside but be imprisoned in the inside if I don’t repent, and be waiting and thinking of the judgment to come from which there will be no escape?
I will decide now, oh, I love Christ. I love His Grace, and His laws and His people. Let me be. I fall to the ground with a kick from the guard. I see the floor. I hear the shot. I see the blood. I awake and see He, who I’ve been waiting for. He has His arms open wide and hugs and kisses me, and says, “Son, I’ve been waiting so long.”
I see the Son of God dancing for joy. I hear the shouts of the Angels saying, “He is here, he is here.” I hear clapping and praising from the saints saying, “Our brother is here.” I see those who have gone before me, both old and young. I see the worship of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I hear music, which can’t be compared to anywhere but here. I feel no pain. I feel no tears. I see the garments white as snow. I see the crowns of gold.
I feel no shame. I see the marks of the Son’s hands and hear Him saying, “It was worth every drop. Soon I will come to judge those on the earth but now let’s celebrate; my chosen one has come at last.”