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By Tim Hughes
I was struck recently by the story of John Denley, who was martyred in England in 1555 on account of his faith. He was to be burnt at the stake. When they lit the wood beneath him, Denley began to cheerfully sing a Psalm.
One tormentor, hoping to silence Denley, threw a piece of wood at him, hitting him in the face. Denley paused for a moment and responded to his tormentor saying,
“Truly you have spoiled a good old song!”
He then continued singing until he died.
I love this overwhelming joy that cannot be contained, the full assurance of salvation that meant in the throws of death there's a great sense of excitement and anticipation. I'm inspired by John Denley's confidence that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Here's a man, who grasps the true meaning of that phrase 'sorrowful yet always rejoicing.'
It's a challenge to us to be a worshipping people in all trials that come our way. To call to mind daily the many things we can be thankful for. Psalm 126:3, ‘The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.’
As followers of Jesus, as a people who have been rescued from darkness into light, there is always a song!
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