In November 1997, I was leading a week-long prayer mission in the capitol city of Chad in central Africa. That Sunday afternoon the church leaders invited me to participate in a previously scheduled “everyone goes around the circle and prays” type meeting focused on the persecuted Christians of their country. As the time of prayer unfolded, I realized the people gathered for prayer had a different understanding of religious persecution than is usually discussed in U.S. church life. For them, religious persecution meant living on the edge of denying Christ, or becoming a refugee, tortured, or killed. 

From his observation point on Patmos, John becomes an eyewitness to another Palm Sunday, as recorded in Revelation 7:9-17. This passage tells of his vision of a great multitude waving their palm branches before the throne of the Lamb. According to the opening verses of the book, John’s vision took place on the Lord’s Day.  At this other Palm Sunday, the crowd reflects the persecuted believers of every land and time. At this other Palm Sunday, the martyred people’s blood-drenched clothes have been bathed again in the blood of The Lamb who was slain. At the other Palm Sunday, the witnesses’ garments glisten with the purity of the Savior’s love.  An abiding promise echoes through to the faithful—Never again, never again, will you have to suffer or die.

Our prayers that afternoon for the persecuted were interrupted by the presence of a stranger, who was whisked back to a different room. Later that evening his story emerged. He claimed to be a Muslim Imam. He told of a dream in the night of Jesus calling his name. He began reading a version of the Sermon on the Mount, eventually deciding to convert to Christianity. He was running for his life from his family and community, still dressed in his religious garb. The church was supportive, yet wary of the danger he might pose. The concluding conversations determined not to underestimate God’s salvation reach. Let us wave our palms in prayer this Palm Sunday for the faithful witnesses.

Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life. Stand with the faithful.  And let’s experience the love and power of God together.

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