ONE of the emperors of Rome once engaged a Greek architect to build him a splendid amphitheater. It was to surpass in size and grandeur any of those that already existed. The Emperor promised the architect fame and honor if his work should he well done.
The genius of the Greek produced the Colosseum. Today it stands in ruins; still majestic, though its magnificence is a thing of the past. Centuries have rolled by since the men and women of Rome thronged there to see the Roman gladiators fight to the death, or to witness the heroic death of Christian martyrs. Its male benches have long since been torn up, and its wall has crumbled be neath the decaying hands of time.
Let me tell you about the opening celebration of this marvelous building.
Preparations had been made for a great display, and when the day arrived the Colosseum was crowded with spectators. The Emperor himself was there, and near him sat the architect.
A murmur of applause ran through the vast assembly as a door in the arena opened, and there entered a little band of Christians who were ready to die rather than deny their Saviour. At their appearance the Emperor arose and said: “The Colosseum is finished: we have come here today to commemorate the event, and to do honor to the architect who has constructed this wonderful building. We will celebrate the triumph of his genius by the slaying of these Christians by the lions.”
As the applause died away the Greek architect leaped to his feet and, with a voice that rang through the building, he proclaimed: “I ALSO AM A CHRISTIAN.”
It was a heroic testimony, but his confession of Christ had touched a spring that opened the floodgates of fiercest passion and deadly hatred. For a moment all were speechless with astonishment. Then the approval of the admiring crowd became suddenly a torrent of hatred uncontrolled. The architect was seized and flung into the arena below where the noble band of Christians were awaiting death. Then the gratings slid back, and the half-starved, raging lions were let loose.
Thus the noble Greek architect chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He looked forward to the heavenly recompense; “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures” of this Egypt world; “of whom the world was not worthy.” (See Hebrews 11:24-4024By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:24‑40).)
Dear reader, can you say, “I also am a Christian”? Perhaps you have hesitated to place yourself under the banner of Christ because you thought of the hardships His soldiers must endure. It is true that all Christians, if faithful to their rejected Lord, will suffer on earth, some even to death, but they can look forward to an ETERNITY of perfect happiness with Christ in glory.
ML-11/29/1964