A Burning Passion for Truth
The handsome young man on the scaffold turned to his servant and comforted him, saying, “What I am about to suffer, dear friend, appears fearful and bitter to the flesh. But remember, it is the entrance to everlasting life, which none shall possess who deny their Lord.”
Young Patrick Hamilton had all he needed for success: born of royal blood, he was intelligent and talented, pleasant and gentle.
While at school, he embraced the teachings of Martin Luther. With Luther, he felt that the Bible, not edicts of the established church, held the true foundation for the Christian faith and the relationship of each person to God. Soon his views got him in trouble with the local church government and the crown, so he escaped to Germany.
There, at the University of Marburg, he experienced a great change. Where before he had been skeptical and timid, he now became courageous. Each day he increased in knowledge and, inflamed with godliness, decided to return to Scotland to take the truth of God’s Word to his own countrymen.
Faith Unto Death
When he returned to Scotland, he immediately began to preach the truths he had learned. After a short time, he was ordered to appear before the Archbishop. He was so on fire with his message that he did not want to wait for his appointment, but came very early in the morning. Although he argued powerfully, he was arrested and put in prison. Many tried to get Hamilton to change his mind, or at least to convince him to stop preaching his beliefs and disturbing the established church. But he did not back down from his stand. In fact, his faith was so contagious that a priest who visited his cell was also converted.
READ ALSO: Smiling at Her Torturer
The day came for him to be sentenced to death. That same day, after dinner, he was led away to be burned at the stake.
When his executioners had difficulty keeping the fire lit, he used it as one last opportunity to preach to those who were standing near. “How long, O God,” he cried, “shall darkness cover this kingdom? How long will You allow this tyranny of men?”
At last, the fire consumed him. As he died, he cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
“Act like people with good sense and not like fools. These are evil times, so make every minute count…find out what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17
Date: 30th July 2022
Title: Making Every Minute Count
Martyr: Patrick Hamilton
Location: Scotland
Source: Jesus Freaks
Author: DC Talk and The Voice of Martyrs
Suffering Saturday 003
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