Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Devotion based on Isaiah 35:4

Around the year A.D. 156, a man named Polycarp was arrested during a time of Christian persecution. He was the leader of the church in Smyrna. His arrestors urged him to renounce Christ and to make a small offering to the Roman Caesar. They didn’t want to see this old man put to death. In their minds, they were asking a small thing.

“Curse Christ, and you will live!” said the Roman ruler. But Polycarp remained steadfast. “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Polycarp replied.

Astonished and incensed, the Roman ruler threatened to burn Polycarp to death. Polycarp replied that his fire would last an hour, but the fires of hell would last an eternity. And with that, Polycarp was burned at the stake.

Through it all, Polycarp’s faith did not waver. He was not afraid of what men would do to him. Why? Because he knew God had come. Polycarp knew Jesus had already saved him from something far worse. Without fear or trembling, Polycarp stood firm to the end.

Over and over again, God tells his people not to be afraid. The reminder is necessary because people are sinners who deserve the wrath of God. And yet, God shows that he is not eager to punish or to threaten and terrify. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Instead, he wants to bring peace and hope, forgiveness and life.

That’s why God sent Jesus to save you. He sent Jesus to take away your guilt and shame that causes you to fear God’s wrath. Jesus tells you to be strong and not fear because he has made things right between you and God.

No matter what trials and temptations you face, you can be strong and not fear. Your God is on your side. Jesus has come, and he has saved you.

Prayer: