"Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10

Very strengthening to anointed Christians are these words of Jesus Christ. Anointed ones and their companions with an earthly hope are not afraid of the Devil. This lack of fear does not stem from inherent courage. It exists because they have reverential fear of God and ‘take refuge in the shadow of his wings.’ (Psalm 34:9; 36:7) Fearless early disciples of Jesus Christ proved faithful to death despite the things they suffered. They did not succumb to fear of what Satan the Devil could do, for they knew that Jehovah would never abandon those who proved loyal to Him. Similarly, in the face of intense present-day persecution, anointed Christians and their dedicated associates are determined not to break their integrity to God. Although Satan still possesses “the means to cause death,” true Christians can take comfort in Jesus’ words in today’s text and maintain their integrity to God.—Hebrews 2:14. w 1/15/06 3, 4a