“Son, you can’t believe this Jesus is real,” said Chyrsanthes’ father.
“I know it’s true, Father,” replied Chyrsanthes. “I believe that Jesus came into the world to save sinners like you and me. He is the light of the world. There is no hope in the idols you adore.”
As punishment, his father locked Chyrsanthes into a dark cellar for days, but he could still hear his son singing praise to God. To turn Chrysanthes from the faith, his father also tried surrounding him with worldly delights and girls, but Chyrsanthes held strong. Then his father brought Daria, an idolatrous woman of uncommon beauty, into his home to make him forget Christ. Instead, Chyrsanthes brought her to salvation, and she was baptized.
Later, Chrysanthes and Daria married and enjoyed a wonderful and miraculous ministry bringing others to Christ. When Roman guards tried to bind them for witnessing, the ropes fell off their hands. The governor ordered soldiers to tie Chyrsanthes to a pillar and beat him with rods, but the blows left no trace on his body. As a result, the soldiers and the governor fell at his feet confessing to God’s power.
In a land that worshiped idols, Chyrsanthes stood out because he trusted in the living God, not in stones or woodcarvings. Because of his endurance, scores of pagans came to faith.
The gospel of Christ is nothing new. It has been changing lives for centuries and will continue to do so until Christ returns. The stories of old are the stories of today. The Christian martyr in hand-sewn robes and sandals shares the same heart with the modern, blue-jean-clad believer who e-mails his testimony. No generation gap separates those who left a legacy of faith and those who carry on their legacy today. Where do you fit in the story line? Are you willing to align your testimony with the saints of old? Live fully for Christ today and leave a legacy for tomorrow. You can help transform a home, a workplace, a community, or even an entire country for Christ.
Source: Extreme Devotion 