Through the Storm 

Encroaching Darkness

Read Matthew 24:9-25; 2 Timothy 3:12.

The Special Air Service (S.A.S.) is an elite force unit of the British Army. It was founded in 1941 to undertake a number of roles, including underground reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, direct action and hostage rescue.

Members of the S.A.S. are highly trained individuals who appear to be utterly fearless and are therefore also feared by their enemies. One of the reasons they can operate to this standard is that they are utterly set apart inwardly to the tasks they are called to undertake.

The role of the stealth of the S.A.S. activity is something very akin to that carried out by the early Church. In Acts we read of the severe persecution of the believers by Paul prior to his encounter with Jesus.  Persecution did not end with Paul’s conversion; it increased to such an extent that all of the apostles were either imprisoned or martyred or both, and this level of suffering and oppression continued until the reported ‘conversion’ of Constantine the Great around 313AD.

For almost 130 years (1532-1660), England experienced extreme religious persecution: Protestants persecuted Catholics then Catholics turned the tables and hunted down Protestants – with this reversal happening not once but several times.

It was not for nothing that the early Baptists - many of whom endured severe persecution and martyrdom - were called ‘Radical Believers’.

I understand that around 1650 the first minister of one Baptist Church in Bristol was tarred and feathered, then tied to a cart before being dragged to where he was hung, drawn and quartered. It was not for nothing that the early Baptists - many of whom endured severe persecution and martyrdom - were called ‘Radical Believers’.

They knew their God and He knew them; just like the modern S.A.S., they were not afraid to defend their cause. They were an underground Church, meeting in homes, barns and outside spaces. They provided safe houses and refuge but above all they remained resolute in their faith: they preached the Word, baptised converts (in mill ponds and streams) and taught new believers to obey God over and above anything or anyone else.

We can liken the metaphor of the S.A.S. to the journey we have taken so far, upwards through the lighthouse. We have considered who our covenant-keeping God is and endeavoured to be

• Secure in Him. We have understood that we are totally
• Accepted by Him, and that we are also thoroughly
• Significant to Him and to His plans and purposes.

In which areas of the spiritual S.A.S. (security, acceptance and significance) do you still feel insecure?

• How do you feel about the challenge outlined above?
• Are there any ways in which you feel silenced or constrained from sharing your faith? Why do you feel this way?
• In which areas of the spiritual S.A.S. (security, acceptance and significance) do you still feel insecure? What steps are you going to take?

Remind yourself how great your covenant partner God is. Talk to Him about your fears and doubts. Listen to what He says to you.