Daily devotion – Foxes Book of Martyrs
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
I want to recommend a book for you to purchase. It’s one I refer to often and read at least once a year. The book is “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” and it is available at most Christian book stores for around $6 -$10.
After the martyrdom of Stephen, suffered next James the holy apostle brother of John. When James was brought to the tribunal seat, the man who lied against James and was used as the key witness in James being sentenced to death, was present.
As this false witness watched on and saw James’s demeanour before his condemners, the man was moved to also attend James actual execution.
This man was so moved in his hearts by James’s powerful love of Christ and willingness to die for Christ that he went to the executioner and confessed himself also, of his own accord, now to be a follower of Christ!
And so, both James and the man who lied to bring about James judgment went together to death. On the way the man desired of James to forgive him of what he had done. It is said that James paused and turned to him and said, “Peace be with thee, brother”, and kissed him.
They were both beheaded together A.D. 36.
What a powerful and moving testimony of faith for all of us. Cannot wait to meet both James and his ‘accuser’ in Heaven can you?