7

Worship in Chains

Hebrews 1:35-38 (excerpt)

“… others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.  Some faced… even chains and imprisonment… destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.”

In February 2006, I was flying home from North Carolina after recording a new album (“No Denying”). It had been an emotional time with many tears, dedicating the album to my sister, Elizabeth, who had died in 2004. I was exhausted and just wanted to get home, and hopefully sleep on the plane.

God had different plans, however. I should have known when I saw a man shamelessly sleeping, curled up over three seats in the waiting area of the Charlotte-to-Atlanta flight. He appeared to be from the Middle East, and didn’t seem to mind who was watching him. I wondered what his story was.

The flight to Atlanta was uneventful, but then this same little man (he was barely five feet tall) went back to sleep in the waiting area again – on my same flight to Tulsa. I silently prayed, “Oh, Lord, please don’t have me sit next to this man on this final flight home. I’m too tired to talk to anyone!”

God was kind and wise enough to overrule my selfish request. Sure enough, his seat was right next to mine! I knew by then that God wanted me to talk to him! I was fascinated and humbled to learn that *Kamil Smith was an Egyptian Christian who was coming to Tulsa to be the keynote speaker for a Voice of the Martyrs conference.         *Name changed to protect identity.

He had been severely persecuted by the Egyptian government for telling others about Jesus. They burned down his entire library of bibles and books on theology. He was imprisoned and beaten for six months, then exiled to America and forbidden to ever return to Egypt.

I noticed a large scar across one cheek, and I cried when he told me how it happened. “The prison guards beat me and cut my face, because I would not deny Jesus.” His next statement, however, is one that is sealed into my mind and heart forever:

“Since my hands and feet were chained, I would shake my chains to make music and sing in worship to Jesus.”  With a smile of sincere joy, Kamil demonstrated how he shook his wrists together, bound in chains, to worship God. That broke me.

I’d heard reports of modern-day martyrs and persecution of believers in other parts of the world – and now I’d heard it first-hand. All of the sudden, my own family’s grief and trials paled in comparison to what Kamil had faced. Now, exiled from his family and everyone he’d ever known, he lived across the world, in the eastern United States --- and he was still sharing Jesus everywhere he went. He speaks at high schools, churches, and even on street corners, and sends money to the widows and orphans in his village in Egypt, particularly who are being persecuted for their faith. His joy was contagious!

My loving, wise Heavenly Father interrupted my comfortable, resting time to broaden my perspective and understanding of what real worship is. It involves sacrifice, denying ourselves, giving up something valuable to us. It acknowledges Jesus at all times, even if it brings pain or persecution. I think of Job, Daniel, Moses, Joseph, Paul, David, and ultimately -- Jesus. Now, I will also think of my brother, Kamil, who worshipped in chains.

Prayer: Jesus, help me worship and trust in You, blessing Your name at all times, shamelessly. May the difficult things I face be turned into instruments of worship to You! For You are worthy, and You are faithful! Amen.

Searching Deeper:

Isaiah 19:21      Romans 12:1         1st Chron. 21:24      Acts 9:14

John 15:21      James 1: 2-3, 12         Hebrews 11: 1-40

From the upcoming devotional book, 40 Days Before the Throne: Glimpses Into the Heart of God by Becky Wright. Expected release in November 2018. We invite REVIEWS and ENDORSEMENTS at info@beckywrightsongs.com

Direct link to book (info & pre-orders):

http://www.beckywrightsongs.com/store/p1/40DaysDevoBeckyWright ++++++++++++++

We recommend the companion Worship CD album

“Before the Throne: Worship & Hymns”

By Becky Wright

“Gospel/Contemporary Christian Album of the Year” Final Nominee in the

2016 Independent Music Awards

(International Competition; Awards Show

At Lincoln Center, New York City)

www.beckywrightsongs.com

(Singer/Songwriter/Author, Becky Wright)

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