Greatly encouraged and challenged by the faithfulness of 21 Egyptian brothers slain by Isis. As tragic as such is, we can rejoice in a few matters: 1) God is glorified when His saints are martyred for the name of Jesus; 2) their faithfulness to the gospel is heard 'round the world' shining the light of hope in a hopeless world; 3) the church is built on the "blood of the martyrs," thus such will serve for the "Word of God to increase," as Luke would say. Do we mourn for and with their families? Yes. But, we rejoice in the fruitfulness of their faithfulness. The redeemed community, due to the power of the cross and the hope of redemption, can both mourn and rejoice simultaneously because He lives, these our brothers live also. May God be glorified! Father, by your power may we be known as "people of the cross" due to our resilience to live and proclaim the name of the King. To Him be praise, honor, and glory throughout all eternity! Amen!

http://www.worldmag.com/2015/02/the_isis_war_against_the_people_of_the_cross