“86 years have I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”
Polycarp’s Martyrdom (ca. 69-ca. 155)
To follow means to have allegiance, loyalty, and obedience to someone who is leading the way. It creates an identity with the leader or the cause. Expectations are set at a steep cost to the follower. The leader reciprocates by supporting the follower. It fosters a mutual relationship of trust that develops over time. Rabbi and disciple together as one.
“Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
Luke 9:23 (NRSV)
Two noteworthy early followers were Polycarp and Perpetua during one of the most brutal times in history to be a Christian. These early believers gained respect from their contemporaries and were despised by the prevailing Roman culture of paganism. Polycarp was one of our earliest Apostolic writers and a disciple of the great apostle John. Perpetua was one of the early women leaders of the church.
“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him… Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
Matthew 4:19-22 (NRSV)
When we read the familiar story from Matthew, we may inadvertently gloss over the command that Jesus shares at the outset. “Follow me, I will make you fish for people.” As fisherman they certainly knew the preparation, diligence and sacrifice it took to bring in the big catch. The next operative word was “immediately” without hesitation leave it all behind. Did these apostles know something others did not know? Or did Jesus know each of them?
“But I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.”
John 15:15-16 (NRSV)
And they immediately left everything that was of their prior life – family, friends, vocation, etc. – without knowing where it would eventually lead them. What have you left behind to follow Christ? Was it immediately and without hesitation?
Prior to the year 313 AD it was treasonous to believe someone other than the Roman emperor was king. The early followers were called Christians beginning at the church in Antioch (Acts 11:26). An interesting note is that the naming was more of a political nickname denoting believers that Christ was the king. Although the name was embraced by the early believers it was construed as a form of mockery by the Antiochians.
“And you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 10:22 (NRSV)
There is a preconceived notion that today’s Christ followers are not really persecuted.
Rev. Sharon Risher of Charleston Emmanuel A.M.E. church recounts the horrible shooting that took place at their church in 2015. “They welcomed him in,” Risher says. “He sat there and listened to this whole Bible study. And when they were in a circle holding hands in prayer is where he took out his Glock 45 and commenced to shooting and killing them like they were animals.”
The title Christian has been maligned and watered down to define us in a neat little box. Like a check off on the survey that unknowingly defines us but does not substantiate who we really are. The muck and mire of our political election season lumps us all together in a box called “Christian evangelicals.” The assumption is that we all think and vote alike. Might it be meant to be demeaning?
It appears not much has changed since Antioch or the early Roman days. Who is to blame for that?
Paul reminds us in his letter to Timothy that there will be godlessness in the world and that what we stand for will be counter to prevailing culture to the extent of persecution.
“Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
2 Timothy 3:12 (NRSV)
Something Rev. Mike shared in his recent message gnawed at me afterwards. He said, “Why is it the only time the world knows if we are a Christian is on Ash Wednesday?” He also reminded us that the world will always be against us. What we do in response makes the difference.
Are we only defined by the ashes on our forehead or the cross jewelry we wear or the fish stickers we place on our cars?
Could it be we lost sight of why we are followers of Christ? Could it be our faith has become watered down as not to offend others? Have we bought into the perception that our faith will not make a difference?
Love for others in the form of action is an outward showing of our faith belief. Love God first then go and love thy neighbor. Simple yet difficult.
At AUMC we have many opportunities for mission and outreach. This week we will be supporting the HAAM drive-thru food fair in partnership with local churches. We also have our ongoing HAAM Potato Patch drive to collect “mashed taters.” Despite COVID challenges, many AUMCers have stepped up for various outreach opportunities.
Do we allow fear of persecution to deter us? How do we want to be defined as a church in our community? Followers of Christ? Or Christians in name only?
Polycarp and Perpetua lived in a time where swearing allegiance to Christ meant death. While the Roman empire was brutal in their treatment of Christians, they considered letting you go if you would just renounce your faith to Christ and participate in a sacrificial offering to the emperor. Polycarp and Perpetua had family and friends that they dearly wanted to be with. Perpetua had just given birth to a child and had a life of motherhood awaiting her. Polycarp, at the age of 86, had lived beyond his years and had earned the right to live out the rest of his life in peace.
History tells us that death for them was being burned alive and viciously attacked by animals in the Roman forum while thousands cheered for their demise. We know that in the face of evil they firmly guarded their faith in Christ.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 (NRSV)
I sadly recall the story of an industry colleague of Syrian Christian descent. He built a successful export business. He had family, property, and olive groves in Syria. He shared a personal story of the persecution by ISIS Islamic radicals as they moved through the area confiscating property and extorting people to renounce their faith. I remember him saying he felt helpless when clergy and family members, including his elder sister, perished. He told me that all he could lean on was his faith in God because he knew they had stood solidly on their own faith. Would I have stood firmly in the face of perilous danger?
Why not renounce Christ?
Surely Jesus would forgive. Perpetua had a child to raise and there was no way the child should be without a mother. Polycarp could cash in all his good years compared to just one moment in time. My colleague lost family. What would I do in a similar situation?
Do we continue to follow Christ when we have been devastated?
At a service six months after the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, Pastor Frank Pomeroy preached, “There shall be life. I’m not saying it’s simple. I’m not saying it’s easy. But I’m saying that God has given us the ability to do so. I choose life. I choose peace. I choose forgiveness.” Would I have that same faith?
“Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you madethe good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12 (NRSV)
Following Jesus comes at a price to each of us. Possible physical death for our belief as Polycarp and my colleague’s family faced might be extreme, yet we experienced hate at Sutherland Springs Baptist, Charlotte AME, and Pittsburg Synagogue. Perhaps our personal reputation and identity is challenged by political, societal, and cultural agendas as we see via the news and social media.
A more likely challenge we all face is having to give up something we cherish more than Christ. We can only be more Christ-like if we deny ourselves of what holds us back from overflowing grace. God wants our hearts, souls and mind.
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the moneyto the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’”
Luke 18:22 (NRSV)
The path you have chosen to follow will create angst between you with friends and family who liked your old self, who may not readily see or accept the transformation of your life. Is there something you need to leave behind to truly follow Jesus?
“Then Peter said, ‘Look, we have left our homes and followed you.’”Luke 18:28 (NRSV)
Hear the good news! We can indeed count on eternal life as our reward because Jesus bore the ultimate cost for our sins. Preparation, diligence, and sacrifice is our cost to bear. Jesus chose you before you knew it and he has used others to reach you. Praise God for those who gave and shared all they had for you! It is the reason you are here. Jesus is calling, will you follow?
”And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’”
Luke 18:29-30 (NRSV)
Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader
Where You go, I’ll go
Where You stay, I’ll stay
When You move, I’ll move
I will follow You
Who You love, I’ll love
How You serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow You
I will follow You
Chris Tomlin ( I will Follow – 2010)