MICHAEL VEY: THE PRISONER OF CELL 25
1 Thessalonians 3:7 says, “Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” (NLT)
Michael Vey is a 15-year-old boy with a dream to be normal, or at least to live a bully-free life. It took him a while to discover and appreciate his gifts. Out of fear of captivity, he and his mother worked hard to hide it. Michael is a very special boy, and a lot of bad people intend to use his power for evil purposes.
It’s a hard thing to resist evil influence with a the flaunting of wealth and bribes. Tem Many other kids with similar gifts easily sold out to this evil organization, while the few who stayed true to goodness were severely persecuted. Michael is one of those few, and he is subjected to the worst kinds of persecution. Without the loving support of his fellow prisoners, he may not have survived.
Luke 9:23-25 says, “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?’”
It’s a powerful story that reminded me of persecution that our brothers and sisters in Christ suffered and still suffer all around the world. It is easy to think you would do anything to proclaim the Word of God, but it becomes much harder when you’re face to face with death while a green meadow waits on the other side of the fence. In the book’s case, diamonds, Armani, and front row seats shower you for the easy price of taking an innocent life. Michael refused, and he paid dearly for it.
The story also illustrates the importance of camaraderie. Christians must stick together in the midst of persecution. It is the encouragement and support of our brothers and sisters that help us through difficult times, and it is difficult times that strengthen our relationships.
There is so much that can be learned from the story of Michael Vey. I highly recommend it and eagerly await the next of the series.
