More Love

North Korea. 1950’s.

For years, Pastor Kim and 27 of his flock of Korean saints had lived in hand dug tunnels beneath the earth. Then, as communists were building a road, they discovered the Christians living under ground. 

The officials brought them out before a crowd of 30,000 in the village of Gok San for public trial and execution. They were told, “Deny Christ or you will die.” They refused. 

At this point, the head communist officer ordered four children from the group sized and had them prepared for hanging. With ropes tied around their small necks, the officer again commanded the parents to deny Christ.  

Not one of the believers would deny their faith. They told the children, “We will see you soon in heaven.” The children died quietly.  

The officer then called for a steam roller to be brought in. He forced the Christians to lie on the ground in its path. As its engine revved, they were given one last chance to recant their faith in Jesus. Again they refused. 

As the steam roller began to inch forward, the Christians began to sing a song they had often sung together. As their bones and bodies were crushed under the pressure of the massive rollers, their lips uttered the words: 

“More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee. Thee alone I seek, more love to thee. Let sorrow do it’s work, more love to thee. Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise. This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; More love, O Christ, to thee.” 

The execution was reported in the North Korean press as an act of suppressing superstition. 

(Reference: “Jesus Freaks” by DC Talk & Voice of the Martyrs pp. 125.)

Such love. Tears fill my eyes.

More love to You, Jesus. More love to You. Is this all our hearts ache for? How do I, how can I, show that kind of love in my present circumstances?

Can we, today, perhaps risk looking like a freak... can we refuse to watch a movie we know is full of stuff Jesus died for, saying, "More love to Thee, Jesus. I love You more than I love fitting in or my flesh or entertainment."?

Can we refuse to laugh, not in a pious way, but out of humble love, when others joke about sin or in a demeaning way about their husbands? "More love to Thee. I love you more than my reputation."

Can we bite our tongues and right our attitudes when we just want to win a verbal argument? "More love to Thee. You died to make unity and love among believers."

Can we forgive someone who does not deserve it, whispering, "More love to Thee. I forgive because You forgave me an unforgivable debt."?

Can we ignore everything else we want to do, shut off our screaming brains for a bit, and spend time talking with Jesus and going to His Word to meet Him... often?

I daresay we must.

More love. More love to Thee.