Polycarp, a direct pupil of the apostle John who lived between 70 and 155 A.D., was arrested on the charge of being a Christian -- a member of a politically dangerous cult whose rapid growth needed to be stopped. Amidst an angry mob, the Roman proconsul took pity on such a gentle old man and urged Polycarp to proclaim, "Caesar is Lord". If only Polycarp would make this declaration and offer a small pinch of incense to Caesar's statue he would escape torture and death. To this Polycarp responded, "Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" Steadfast in his stand for Christ, Polycarp refused to compromise his beliefs, and thus, was burned alive at the stake.
What will the world be like when I'm 86 - if I get to live out those years? What will be the great technological advances that will make life 'easier' for all of us? What will be the great political moves that will shape the world? What will be the new ways that men dream up to express their sin? What will my kids and grandkids be like then? What kind of world will this generation have left them?
What if there is great persecution coming - whether to the whole world or just my little corner of it? Will I be able to face death as faithfully as Polycarp? What would I do at the thought of facing being burned alive?
What brutalities would be possible for this pluralistic, secular world? What things would they do to try to snuff out any allegience to the Lord? Could such a thing ever be possible? Despite the advance3s in technology, the human heart has not changed. Is it possible? You can count on it unless God restrains the evil in the heart of men still longer ... What kind of future do my descendents have to look forward to?
In you alone, O Lord, will I put my trust!
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