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(2Cor.4:7-15;\xa0\xa0 Ps.126:1-6;\xa0\xa0 Mt.20:20-28) \xa0 \xa0\u201cContinually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, \xa0\xa0 so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed.\u201d \xa0 In His apostles the death and resurrection of Jesus are most clearly shown.\xa0 It is particularly their place to suffer persecution, to be \u201cafflicted\u201d and \u201ccrushed\u201d, \u201cconstantly being delivered to death for Jesus\u2019 sake\u201d; and it is particularly their grace to show forth the glory of the resurrection.\xa0 In this selfless service of the Lord, what comes through them is the preaching of the Word; \u201cthe spirit of faith\u201d prompts them to speak, and though it bring their death, they do not hesitate: \u201cWe believe and so we speak, knowing that he who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up along with Jesus and place both us and you in His presence.\u201d\xa0 Paul speaks here for all the apostles, and for the grace which comes to us as well through their service. The Son of Man has come \u201cto give His life as ransom for the many,\u201d and James truly moves quickly \u201cto drink of the cup\u201d of which the Lord partakes.\xa0 As the first apostle martyred for the faith, he leads all the apostles forth to such sacrifice, in which they shall all soon join him.\xa0 Once the Spirit is upon them, speaking through them, they will have the unquestioned faith necessary to confront without fear, but indeed with holy joy, the death to which each is called.\xa0 They \u201cpossess a treasure in earthen vessels\u201d and the vessels must be broken for the \u201csurpassing power\u201d of God to come to fulfillment in them and through them.\xa0 Willingly do they lay down their lives once the Spirit inspires them, once their faith has been strengthened \u2013 once they have lost entirely any preoccupation with honors and attachments of this life, they come preaching and serving, facing the death the world inflicts therefore without a thought to run and hide, but knowing the joy it shall bring deep inside. \u201cThose that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.\u201d\xa0 We are taken as captives from this world, our hands tied behind us.\xa0 But upon returning from this exile, after this death we suffer, we know our mouth will be \u201cfilled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.\u201d\xa0 So surpassing is the peace which awaits us, the troubles of this life of mission in His Name are as nothing.\xa0 Let us pray to the Lord that we shall always speak freely in His Name.\xa0 Let us pray to imitate James and all the apostles in their selfless service of Christ.\xa0 May we have always that Spirit of faith that led them forth, that in the death of our bodies, we, too, may know and reveal the life of Jesus Christ.\xa0 \xa0 Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. \xa0 Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. \xa0 ******* O LORD, may the sacrifice of the apostles bring many souls into the gates of your kingdom.\xa0 YHWH, let us be ready to be delivered even to death for the sake of your Name and in union with your Son and the blood He has shed for our sakes.\xa0 All persecution let us gratefully endure, knowing it shall but lead to great joy in your kingdom.\xa0 Crushed in union with the sacrifice of Christ, let us rejoice for the blessings to come. Let our hearts be set on service of you, O LORD, and not on the honors of this world.\xa0 Only those who lay down their lives for the sake of your Name shall find union with you in Heaven.\xa0 And so, let us drink of the cup of your Son that your glory may be known among all. Though speaking of you bring our end in this world, we shall still continue as has James, for then we shall be raised up with him at Jesus\u2019 side.\xa0 All power comes only from you, LORD.\xa0 We pray you work in all our lives that even our mortal flesh shall serve as a holy sacrifice.