In Code

Scripture References: Genesis 39:6-9; Colossians 2:15

In addressing the Iranian hostages after their 444-day terror, President Reagan referred to the hardships they had experienced and the valor they had shown. He mentioned Sergeant Gomez, one of the Marine guards. He had put up a sign in his cell that would have been immediately removed by his captors had they known its meaning. But he wrote it in Spanish, so they couldn’t understand: “Viva la roja; blanca, y azul.” The Iranians didn’t know what it meant, but Sergeant Gomez knew. And when we heard, we knew, and our hearts warmed and tears formed as the president translated the message: “Long live the Red, White, and Blue!”

It reminds us of the New Testament Christians—innocent, common citizens in extraordinary crises, expressing loyalty in uncommonly brave ways! Though not individually guilty of any wrong, they belonged to a group deemed corporately guilty by Jewish and Roman authorities. Leaving Jerusalem after Saul’s violent repression, the lay Christians carried the apostolic message into the cities of the Empire. Refusing to flee when hunted or to compromise when found, they suffered imprisonment, beatings, and torture. But while the persecutors could imperil the messengers, they were powerless against the spread of their message.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved.