When Polycarp (AD 69-155), who was bishop of the church at Smyrna, was
asked by Roman authorities to curse Christ if he wanted to be released, he
said, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me any wrong. How
can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” The Roman officer threatened, “If you do
not change your mind, I will have you consumed with fire.” Polycarp remained
undaunted. Because he would not curse Christ, he was burned at the stake.
Centuries earlier, when three young men named Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abed-Nego faced a similar threat, they answered, “O Nebuchadnezzar,
. . . our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the
burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if
not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods” (Dan. 3:16-18).
A similar experience but two different outcomes. Polycarp was burned alive, but
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego left the furnace unsinged.
Two different results but the same display of faith. These men showed us
that faith in God is not simply faith in what God can do. But it’s the belief
that God is God whether He delivers us or not. He has the final say. And it’s
our decision to choose to follow Him through it all.
Life is hard, but God is good—all the time. (RBC)
