10 Polycarp
In 155 A.D., in the city of Smyrna, an old man named Polycarp is being led by Roman soldiers to the town square to be burnt at the stake for his Christian beliefs. Polycarp does not resist, nor does he beg for his life. However, a Roman officer pleads with Polycarp to renounce his faith so that he could live.
"Polycarp!" cried the Roman officer, "What are you doing? You are an old man! Please, there is no reason for you to die like this. Give up your faith! You can live the rest of your life in peace if you do. Just deny this Jesus Christ and I can set you free! "
Polycarp gently smiles at the Roman officer and shakes his head. He replies, "Eighty and six years have I now served Christ, and He has never done me the least wrong: How then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"
There may be times in our lives where we face a difficult choice, where we may be tempted to compromise our faith for worldly gain or advancement. However, men like Polycarp made the difficult choice and chose Jesus over the world. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in his first letter to the Corinthians to stand fast in our faith, to be brave and to be strong. Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ chose us when He died for our sins at Calvary. Will you do the same and choose Him?
- Recommended reading: Hebrews 11:32-40
