Polycarp had been a student of the apostle John, but was on the run late in his life. While traveling, a child recognized him and immediately informed the soldiers. When they found Polycarp eating, he offered to share his food with the arresting soldiers. After eating together, Polycarp asked if he could have one hour to pray. The soldiers agreed but later regretted the decision. Polycarp had prayed so fervently that the soldiers were themselves convicted of their sin.
Eventually Polycarp was brought before the governor, who sentenced him to be burned in the marketplace. The governor gave him the opportunity to save his life if he denied Jesus. Polycarp refused, stating, “For eighty-six years I have served him. How then should I blaspheme my King who has saved me?”
They secured Polycarp to a stake and lit the wood around him. The flames rose up around the courageous believer but—miraculously—did not burn a hair on his body. The governor was furious. He ordered a soldier to pierce the Christian’s side. They succeeded in killing Polycarp, but were unable to kill his faith and triumphant spirit.
Polycarp’s last recorded prayer was this: I praise you for making me worthy to be received among the number of the martyrs this day and this hour, so that I share in the cup of Christ for the resurrection of my soul.
Polycarp gives new meaning to the phrase, “active retirement.” A seasoned saint in his late eighties, Polycarp lived long enough not to care how his opposition felt about his faith in Christ. On the other end of the spectrum, young zealots often take on the enemy without knowing any better. Most believers fall somewhere between the two. We miss the zeal from our youthful commitment, yet we haven’t lived long enough to dismiss the opinions others have of our faith. Thankfully, Jesus takes us as we are and not as we should be. Determine to give him every ounce of commitment you can give him today and let him grow you toward greater faith tomorrow.
Click here to watch a short clip about the life of Polycarp. | 