Polycarp (martyred for the Lord c. 156 AD)
READ: 1 Samuel 15:22; Philippians 1:20-21
Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna
– a church leader who, tradition says, studied under the Apostle John. That
left Polycarp the last living link to Jesus’ disciples. Thus he served the Lord
during a very transitional time between first- and second-generation Christians.
Polycarp was a man of faith who, like the martyrs before him, held unswervingly
to Jesus in suffering – he could not not
stand firm for the Lord!
At the time, the Romans deified
the Emperor. They believed he was divine. The Christians were seen as
“atheists” because they refused to acknowledge the Emperor’s divinity, nor
would they perform pagan sacrifices, offer incense or join in the Roman
festivals. So when 86-year old Polycarp was dragged into the arena on the day
of his martyrdom, the pagan crowd was thirsty for his blood. The proconsul
wanted to show him mercy and encouraged him to renounce his Christianity and
swear by Caesar. But Polycarp knew the words of Jesus: “whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is
in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33) His response was simple, yet profound:
“Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He never did me any wrong. How can I
blaspheme my king who has saved me?” When it was determined that Polycarp would
not renounce his faith, he was burned at the stake. But tradition tells us
something miraculous: Polycarp’s body would not burn! Rather it was as though
he was gold being refined in a fire, and the smell was not of burning flesh,
but of spices. Finally the executioner ran him through with a sword and the
blood poured so much that it quenched the fire. Polycarp was happy to die for
the One who had died for him.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
