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 11:24-40.)
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