Suffering Servants!
When Godzilla, think of one of HitchHiker’s favorite saint, Polycarp, who was bishop of Smyrna. He was a disciple of Apostle John, who was martyred in AD 155. When commanded to worship Caesar as deity and denounce Jesus, he said, “Eighty and six years I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How then do I blaspheme my King and Savior?” Polycarp was then burned at stake and pierced with spear.
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'”
Revelation 2:8-11
Fifty to Sixty years before Polycarp’s martyrdom, Jesus acknowledges church of Smyrna’s genuine love and faithfulness, even in midst of suffering. He also alludes to future suffering, and encourages them to be faithful even in death, for their crown awaits. Polycarp seems to be proof positive of Smyrna’s genuine love and faithfulness. Now you know why he one of HitchHiker’s favorites!
Big Lizard remind you that “persecutions” now nothing compared to what Smyrna apparently face. But there still time, and maybe we will be called to ultimate sacrifice.
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