By David Coy
Sunrise
Dealing with the loss of someone we care deeply for is difficult. During our current day and time, it is increasing difficult. Our current climate seems as if we are repeating the past all over again. There is a man in history that you may never have heard of before who died a horrible death all because of his belief and the terrible political climate of his day. This man lived during the first century when a certain belief was hated by the ruling political classes, and those of this belief were literally hunted down and forced to renounce their belief or be killed. During the first century, many individuals were being executed. They were ripped to shreds or fed to the lions or burned at the stake. History says he was a learner from the disciple whom Jesus loved, and he taught many to believe and come out of Gnosticism to the truth. He also was known to be a great warrior for the truth against heretics as well.
Polycarp was living for and teaching others the truth which is Christ. True faith is based on evidence; it is on this basis, the evidence and the truth, that is worth dying for. You see, people die all the time for falsehoods. Ideologies that are false, but their adherents believe to be true in spite of there being no evidence to support their belief. No one will die for something they know to be a lie. Polycarp died because he would not deny the truth that is based upon evidence he knew! He said, “Eighty-six years have I served him, and he has done to me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” Polycarp said to his captors, “You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour…you know nothing of the fire…and… eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly.” Polycarp after praying was burned alive.
Selmer grief support group is this week. Please come and bring someone with you.
This is Sunrise Aftercare.
