The church in Pergamum had a bishop named Antipas who was probably discipled by the apostle John. He was brutally martyred sometime between 92 and 96 A.D. Jesus called him, “my faithful witness”. The believers stayed faithful themselves during this time even seeing what happened to Antipas. “…you did not deny my faith…” Revelation 2:13. The following is a traditional story told of Antipas whose name means ‘against all’. When he was refusing to worship emperor Nero, he was told, “Antipas, everything is against you.” His reply was, “Then I will be against everything.” Clearly, he was not a man to compromise. He would not deny Christ to save his life. He would not pledge allegiance to anyone or anything except His Savior. His faithfulness inspired those around him to be vigilant about their journeys with the LORD especially in the midst of the persecution they endured.
Antipas’ faithfulness did not lead to rescue from the brutal martyrdom! It was not a Hallmark movie where, from our perspective, everything turns out just great! Because this is God’s story, not ours, even though He has given us each a role in it, we do not understand completely the greatness of His story and its script. Its chapters don’t always end the way we think they will or want them to end. The bishop dies, a friend isn’t healed, evil happens, lies seem to prevail, life isn’t fair, the race wasn’t won, the promotion wasn’t given, the job was lost, BUT THE STORY ISN’T OVER!
What does He want us to do? Be a faithful witness, endure to the end, don’t compromise, trust Him, be patient, live joyfully, wait and focus on Him. He has great things for those who have “ears to hear”, conquer with Him and love Jesus because our definition of ‘end’ isn’t His. There is no THE END written on the last page.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.”
James 1:12
ANTIPAS, MY FAITHFUL WITNESS
Pondering:
Consider how you might be compromising some beliefs or actions in your walk with the LORD. How can that be a slippery slope leading to lessening your love for Him? Ponder what it means for you to be His faithful witness to the very end of your life here. Will you trust Him with how it ends?
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member