The recent massacre of 70 Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as reported by Open Doors, confronts us with the stark reality of suffering and persecution that has marked the Christian witness since the earliest days of the faith. Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount resonate with chilling clarity: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10, NKJV). These believers, targeted for their faith, join the long lineage of martyrs whose blood cries out from the ground, as Abel’s did (Genesis 4:10), and whose sacrifices echo through Scripture. The apostle Paul’s sobering reminder—“all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, NKJV)—anchors this tragedy within the broader biblical narrative. Persecution is not a deviation but a fulfillment of Christ’s warning, a sign that the world remains hostile to His light. Yet even in this darkness, their faithfulness unto death stands as a testament to the surpassing worth of Christ, whose Kingdom they now inherit.
In grappling with such senseless violence, we are drawn to the Psalms, where raw lament and unshakable trust in God’s sovereignty coexist. The cry of “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1) is not foreign to Scripture, nor is the affirmation that “the Lord is King forever and ever” (Psalm 10:16, NKJV). Though evil men plotted this atrocity, God’s purposes are not thwarted. The story of Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, reminds us that what humans intend for evil, God can redeem for good (Genesis 50:20). While we cannot comprehend how He will weave this horror into His plan, the cross stands as the ultimate assurance: the greatest evil, the murder of the sinless Son of God, became the means of salvation for the world. This does not diminish the gravity of the crime or the urgency of justice but places it within the arc of a story where God’s justice and mercy prevail.
Scripture compels us to respond to such injustice with both prayer and action. The blood of the slain, like Abel’s, “cries out… from the ground” (Genesis 4:10, NKJV), and Proverbs 31:8–9 commands us to “open [our] mouth for the speechless… and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (NKJV). The global church cannot remain silent. We are called to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15), to intercede for the persecuted, and to advocate for justice while entrusting final vengeance to the Lord (Romans 12:19). This includes tangible support for grieving families, political pressure to protect vulnerable communities, and exposing the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). At the same time, we pray even for the perpetrators, following Christ’s radical command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NKJV), longing for their repentance as Saul became Paul (Acts 9).
Central to the Christian hope is the resurrection, which transforms martyrdom from a tragic end into a gateway to eternal joy. Jesus assured His followers, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28, NKJV), and Paul’s declaration—“to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NKJV)—takes on profound weight in light of these deaths. These believers now dwell where “God will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV), their suffering eclipsed by the glory of Christ’s presence. Yet their killers, unless they repent, face a fearful judgment: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31, NKJV). This tension—between mercy for the repentant and justice for the unrepentant—fuels our urgency to proclaim the Gospel, even to those who hate us.
The attack in the DRC also summons the global church to unity and courage. As one body, we are reminded that “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26, NKJV). Persecution has often purified and propelled the church, as seen when the scattering of believers in Acts 8 led to the spread of the Gospel. Peter’s exhortation to persecuted Christians—“do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14, NKJV)—challenges us to reject complacency and comfort, standing in solidarity through prayer, resources, and advocacy. This is not a call to seek vengeance but to embody Christ’s love in a broken world, trusting that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
As we mourn these 70 lives, we cling to the promises of Scripture: God sees (Exodus 3:7), God remembers (Psalm 56:8), and God will act (Revelation 19:1–2). Their deaths, though unjust and agonizing, are not the end of their story—or ours. The hope of resurrection sustains us, and the certainty of Christ’s return fuels our resolve to live boldly, knowing that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5, NKJV). May their sacrifice stir us to deeper faithfulness, urgent witness, and unwavering love, even for enemies, as we await the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).
Lord, we grieve with those who have lost loved ones in this massacre. Comfort the brokenhearted, protect the vulnerable, and bring justice tempered with mercy. Turn the hearts of persecutors to repentance, and empower Your church to shine as a beacon of hope in the darkest places. Hasten the day when Your Kingdom comes in fullness, and every tear is wiped away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Removing the Veil Ministries 