How Can I Blaspheme My King Who Saved Me?

In 156 AD, The Greek Proconsul said to Polycarp, “What harm is there in saying, ‘Caesar is Lord’ and offering incense and saving yourself… Swear by the divinity of Caesar... Take the Roman oath and I will let you live.”

Polycarp’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was unwavering as he spoke words forever associated with his name,

"For eighty-six years, I have been His servant and He has never done me wrong; how can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

Polycarp was among the first generation of Christians who never met Jesus face-to-face, but rather, whose faith was influenced by those who had. For fifty years, he was a powerful influence for Christ in Smyrna, devoting himself to prayer and the teaching of God’s word. He is an example of Jesus' words in John 20:29:

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

The authorities carried out their threat, and Polycarp was burned at the stake. Believers and non-believers were horrified at the spectacle of this revered and beloved man of God being martyred for his faith.

Dare to ask God to give you the same unwavering faith as Polycarp who lived as a faithful witness for Christ in his generation.