Sunday Wrap Up - the powerful story of Polycarp's Death

Great day yesterday! We just got back from spending Memorial Day with my brother and his family. We had a wonderful time. It was a quick trip, but a safe and happy one! Yesterday's morning service was a genuine call to the church to be ready for the the days ahead and the coming of Christ. The conviction of the Holy Spirit was stronger than I have felt for sometime. God help us as your people draw close to you!

Last night service was good. Its so sad to me that God's people put a holiday weekend celebration before coming to His house on the Sabbath day. The church has truly compromised over the last few decades when it comes to our worship on Sundays or giving Him a Sabbath. It used to be the one holy (set apart) day that we would give God. Now many Christians barely give Him a hour or two on His day. Forget me, I sincerley believe its grieves God. His Word tells us that in these "last days" we should be coming together more, not less. God revive us...your church!

Read below about the commitment to Christ that we see in the life of Polycarp. Where is our commitment to Christ as pastors and as His people in these last days?

Polycarp (2nd Century)-

Can you imagine what it was like for the church in Smyrna as they watched their beloved and aged pastor burn at the stake? Polycarp was his name. he was a disciple of Jesus’ disciple, the Apostle John. One could tell it immediately because he possessed the same tenderness and compassion as his mentor.

Polycarp was Bishop of the church at Smyrna (present day Turkey). Persecution broke out in Smyrna and many Christians were fed to the wild beasts in the arena. The godless and bloodthirsty crowd called for the carcass of the leader – Polycarp.

The authorities sent a search party to find him. He had been taken into hiding for some Christians but the Romans tortured two young believers until they finally disclosed his location. When the authorities arrival was announced there was still time to whisk Polycarp away but he refused to go saying, “God’s will be done.”

In one of the most touching instances of Christian grace imaginable Polycarp welcome his captors as if they were friends. He talked with them and insisted they eat a meal. Ha made only one request before being taken away – he asked for one hour to pray. The Roman soldiers listened to his prayer. Their hearts melted and they gave him 2 hours to pray. They had second thoughts as well and were overheard asking each other why they were sent to arrest him?

Other authorities also experienced a warmed heart when Polycarp arrived. The Proconsul tried to find a way to release him too. “curse God and I will let you go!” he pleaded.

Polycarp’s reply was: “For eighty-six years I have served him. He has never done me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King was has saved me?”

The Proconsul again looked for a way out. “The do this old man, just swear by the spirit of the emperor and that will be sufficient.’

Polycarp’s reply was: “If you imagine for a moment that I would do that, then I think you pretend that you don’t know who I am. Hear it plainly. I am a Christian.”

More entreaties by the Proconsul

Polycarp stood firm.

The proconsul threatened with the wild beasts.

Polycarp’s reply was: “Bring them forth. I would change my mind if it meant going from worst to best, but not to change from right to wrong.”

The Proconsul threatened, “I will burn you alive!”

Polycarp’s reply was: “You threaten with fire that burns for an hour and is over but the judgment on the ungodly is forever.”

The fires engulfed him. The witnesses noticed his faith and joy. He was finished off with a dagger. He was buried for the cause of Christ on February 22, 155 A.D.

It was as much a day of victory as it was a day of tragedy.

Polycarp illustrated the power of knowing Jesus intimately. Intimately enough to follow Him into the flames. As Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”