A Living Martyr
Giving Himself to the Cross
During this time of praying and seeking, I recalled a passage of fellowship by Brother Watchman Nee, which can confirm my feeling about Brother Wu, and also serve as a remembrance of the brother:
"Only such a person can disregard his life (soul) (Acts 20:24) and is willing to lay down his life (soul) for the brothers (1 John 3:16).
…Because in ordinary times he is already living as a martyr, willing to give his own life to the cross, therefore, when necessary, he can actually become a martyr for the Lord.
It is just because in everyday life he has a life poured out for the brothers, not seeking his own rights or comfort, denying himself day by day, that in special circumstances he can 'lay down his life for the brothers.' Truly loving the Lord and loving the brothers comes from not loving oneself. … Love comes from rejecting the soul-life; the shedding of blood is the source of blessing." (The Spiritual Man)
Thank the Lord, the brother was just such a one who loved the saints, who disregarded his life, who was willing to lay down his soul for the brothers, who was willing to pour himself out.
While he was living he was a martyr, giving himself to the cross. The brother was truly a pattern to all of us co-workers and to all who serve the Lord—like a brother and like a father, denying himself and loving others.