Everlasting November 15, 2025 Devotional

JOHN 21:18-19 | ¹⁸ 'Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.' ¹⁹(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, 'Follow me.

ACTS 12:2 | ² He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword.

In these verses, Jesus hints at the great sacrifices His original disciples would have to make. Peter, tradition holds, was crucified in Rome. James, son of Zebedee was martyred by King Herod in 44 A.D., as we learn from Acts 12:2. Josephus reports James, son of Alpheus, was stoned and then clubbed to death. There are accounts of the deaths of all of the original disciples, plus Matthias who replaced Judas, with John being the only exception. John lived out his life in exile on the barren island of Patmos.

Pray for the Christians in a nation where faith leads to persecution.

Gracious God,

Today we thank You for the witness of those who faced jail and exclusion and death for their faith in You. We honor their sacrifice. Grant us the courage to face opposition. Bless all who suffer for Your name.

Amen.