Heroes of Hope: Tuesday
Tuesday February 23, 2021
Created by Nicky Gutierrez
Rev. 2:8–11 (NIV)
The Message to Smyrna
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life:
“I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.
Devotion
February 23 is the feast day of St. Polycarp, a martyr of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a hero of hope. According to tradition and history, he was born in Smyrna where he was ordained as bishop by John the Apostle and martyred in 155 AD at the ripe age of 86. He was burned at the stake but miraculously was not consumed; he was stabbed to death when the flames failed. The reading from Revelation was addressed to the church in Smyrna where the Lord told them to not fear the coming persecutions for Christ will give them the crown of life as He has conquered death. Polycarp died believing in the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. For eighty years he served God as a loyal servant and for decades, Polycarp was a pillar at the church in Smryna preaching and ministering to the Lord’s flock. When he was tested, Polycarp stood firm in Christ’s promises, and Christ crowned him with life everlasting. In our weakness and in our suffering, Christ is with us bearing our weakness and suffering. Christ will never abandon us. Let us be inspired by Polycarp’s testimony and martyrdom to hold fast to the hope that Christ has promised us.
Haiku for you!
Feast of St. Polycarp
the scent of smoke
on your scarlet scarf
Prayer: Christ give us the strength to hold onto hope so we may be crowned by the crown of life. May we follow in the footsteps of our brother Polycarp and walk the road You have ordained for us. St. Polycarp pray for us! Amen.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, help us to find hope in this weary season. Amen.
