Persecution That Reveals The Power Of God

They were put to death by stoning … by the sword … They went about … destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them … These were all commended for their faith.
Hebrews 11:37-39

Through the centuries, heroes of the church have announced allegiance to Christ and have refused to be moved—even in the face of death. One such hero is Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John and an early church leader whose life ended when he refused to betray his Lord.

Asked one last time to disavow his Christ, the old man replied: “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I speak evil of my King who saved me?”

Here is his martyr’s prayer, as recorded by the historian Eusebius.

WALK WITH POLYCARP
“Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of you, I bless you that you have counted me worthy of this day and hour, that I might be in the number of the martyrs.

“Among these may I be received before you today in a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as you have beforehand prepared and revealed.

“Wherefore I also praise you also for everything; I bless you; I glorify you, through the eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom, with him, in the Holy Spirit, be glory unto you both now and for the ages to come. Amen.”

[Eusebius adds:] “When he had offered up his amen and had finished his prayer, the firemen lighted the fire.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Killing believers has never been an effective way to kill the church. Instead, others see that a faith worth dying for must also be a faith worth having. Persecution merely reveals salvation at work, causing heroes of the faith to rise to the occasion.

Faith in God may not give you a long life—on this earth. But it will give you a powerful life, a persuasive life, a heroic life—in a day when heroes are in short supply.