There but for the grace of God go I

Do you know where that quote originated? I didn’t until today. I’ve been reading Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. This book tells the stories of many of the tens of thousands who have died for Christ from the days of the apostles into the 21st century. Interestingly enough, as David and I are reading about the 16th century in history, my reading in Foxe’s this week is about the martyrs of that same time period.

John Bradford is the one who spoke this famous line. Usually we speak this line when we see physical suffering brought about by disease, poverty and sin (and well we should). But John Bradford spoke it as he watched a column of prisoners being led to their execution for their faith.

Sadly, though, these words were prophetic for John. Three years later it was his turn. Had God’s grace left him? Did he question God’s grace while in a dank prison cell for two years? Not so!

Though imprisoned, he was not bitter or vengeful. He spent his time preaching and writing and “his word was so trusted that guards would release him occasionally at night, fully confident that he would return before daybreak. He always did".

Queen Mary (Bloody Mary – known for the execution of more than 300 believers) offered John Bradford mercy. His reply: “I shall be glad of the queen’s favor on terms that correspond with my duty to Him whose favor is life, but whose displeasure is worse than any death mortals can inflict.” Then as he was tied to a stake and the flames were rising around him he said to another prisoner, “Brother, be of good comfort, for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night, where all our pains will end in peace, and our warfare in songs of joy.”

Sisters, there may come a time when we have to face such a dramatic choice. How will we do at that moment? None of us can know for sure. But may we begin each day fully protected with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), to protect us against the attacks of the evil one and the attacks from our flesh, so that we might make the right little choices. And as we are faithful in the little skirmishes, we are strengthened in faith to lay hold of more of God’s grace for the bigger ones. May our hearts agree with John Bradford and say, “There with the grace of God I go”.