Romanus, Giving Up His Tongue to Speak Louder
It's interesting to read about the response of Christians from outside of the Bible. The first document seems to be an objective perspective on how horrific the Roman treatment of Christians really was, the second a question and answer, both by Romans, on if the punishments given were harsh enough, and the third a Christian's record of punishment, humiliation, and death that they faced, with a tone of awe at the amount of faith displayed.
Although I mentally know that faith can do pretty much anything, it still seems somewhat strange to me that someone could go happily into torture and death. It feels weird, though it actually makes sense. To face trials with joy in Christ both strengthens the faith of others, and prepares for facing the Father and being in His presence, one with Him.
I did, however, kinda imagine Romanus sticking his tongue out at the Romans, almost playfully, but I do realize he was sending a different, very serious message: "What I do, in standing my ground in faith, says more about how I view God than I could ever say with my mouth. Do with me what you wish, but God gets the glory anyway, so I win despite your desperate attempts to put me in my place."
I feel I have the same type of faith, deep inside me, and I hope that if my faith is ever challenged, I will be as bold as Romanus was happy to be.
-- Isaac S. Wilson
PostScript:
I commented on the posts of Hannah and Phillip.
(5:00 is a heck of a time to stay up until)
Although I mentally know that faith can do pretty much anything, it still seems somewhat strange to me that someone could go happily into torture and death. It feels weird, though it actually makes sense. To face trials with joy in Christ both strengthens the faith of others, and prepares for facing the Father and being in His presence, one with Him.
I did, however, kinda imagine Romanus sticking his tongue out at the Romans, almost playfully, but I do realize he was sending a different, very serious message: "What I do, in standing my ground in faith, says more about how I view God than I could ever say with my mouth. Do with me what you wish, but God gets the glory anyway, so I win despite your desperate attempts to put me in my place."
I feel I have the same type of faith, deep inside me, and I hope that if my faith is ever challenged, I will be as bold as Romanus was happy to be.
-- Isaac S. Wilson
PostScript:
I commented on the posts of Hannah and Phillip.
(5:00 is a heck of a time to stay up until)
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