Willing to Die
by Jill Southern
The story of William Tyndale reminds us again just how precious the Word of God really is, and the fact that we have a bible in the English language today is largely due to his efforts.
Four hundred and eighty-two years ago, in October 1536, William Tyndale was burnt at the stake for translating the bible into English. He was a leading Protestant reformer and was only forty-two years old when he was executed for heresy.
William Tyndale’s translation is credited with being the first translation of the bible using the original Hebrew and Greek, and many of the phrases we read in it reflect his understanding of those languages. It was the first New Testament to be printed in English, with the aim that the ordinary person would be able to read the bible in his or her own language.
The vision William Tyndale had resulted in his death. It’s scarcely believable to us today that the Church of the day treated him like a criminal for doing this, and that he was called to make the ultimate sacrifice. Yet it has often been noted in history that the blood of the martyrs is the ‘seed’ of the Church.
This has deeply impacted me to consider again whether I would be willing to die for the sake of the word of God? William Tyndale thought it was worth it. Do we value the price he paid, and the benefit that is to us today? Was his sacrifice worth it?
God the Father speaks to us today, mostly through His word. We’re so precious and dearly loved by Him that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for each one of us, and, in His great love, Jesus thought we were worth dying for.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for sending Your son Jesus to die on the cross for us, becoming obedient even unto death. We also want to thank You for all those who paid the ultimate price for You and Your word. Thank You for the benefit we have today from their sacrifice. Help us to follow You and to be faithful even unto death, after which You have promised to give us a crown of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jill Southern is the founder of Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and directed the work for 21 years. She has recently stood down from that role but still teaches on the NETS programme and has the passion to train and equip God`s people to fully walk in their destiny and calling. She is the Regional Director for Ellel Ministries International in South East Asia and China and is also on the Executive Leadership of the ministry.
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