They loved not their lives unto the death

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

There is a large host represented here—those who have done three significant and essential things. They have overcome that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, by the blood of the Lamb. That is the first thing! Anyone may overcome! “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” says John. Anyone who believes may overcome! They overcome the world, the devil, and one day, their flesh. They overcome by the blood of the Lamb. No other methods of overcoming have ever fully worked against the devices of the enemy. But they also overcame by the word of their testimony. You see, there are very few things as powerful as a Christian’s testimony. Their testimony of the saving power of Christ, and their love for Him. You cannot argue, debate, challenge, or dispute such a claim. It is what the Lord has done for you! This is what we are to tell everyone else, and what we can use to defeat the attacks of Satan, who is the enemy of our souls.

But in the midst of all this, there is something else. They loved not their lives unto the death. These Christians had concluded, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” They said with Paul, “neither count I my life dear unto myself.” They did not love their lives unto the death. He that saveth his life shall lose it, says our Lord, but he that shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. You see, these Christians who overcame the dragon did not love their lives. They were willing to give them up for Christ. They were willing to fight that old serpent until the very end. They were willing to be martyrs for the cause of Christ. Is this cause so important to us? Have we become distracted by the many and various comforts of this life, so that we do not see the height of our calling? They loved not their lives unto the death! Let us have this same great and stalwart spirit! Let us have this same heart, soul, and mind! For surely then, God shall use us in the battle for His glory. And if this life ends in giving up even our lives themselves, it shall be forever worthwhile in eternity.

“Father, we thank you for the testimony and example of these faithful Christians referenced here. We want to be of that number. May we never love our lives in this world. May we only love Christ and His service. For He has bought us with His precious blood. And however we are to pass from this life to the next, may it never be without having given all for Thee. Let us never love our own lives unto the death, but love our Savior unto the death! In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.”