The Faithfulness of Telemachus

 "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." - Revelation 2:10

Around Christmas in ancient Rome, thousands had gathered at the stadium to watch the gladiatorial contests. The bloodlust was strong as the crowd cheered, not caring as much who won as to see a good fight and abundant carnage. One man though was appalled. The name Telemachus probably doesn’t mean much to you; it didn’t mean anything to the crowd. Yet this man, formed in the desert monastery, had courage forged through the fires of self-denial, daily prayer, and immersion in Scripture. His virtue was not delicate, but his conscience thankfully was.

Visiting Rome on pilgrimage, he was sickened by the murderous games. Seeing the contest he entered the arena and came between the two fighters, calling upon them to put their swords away. “Do not requite God’s mercy in turning away the swords of your enemies by murdering each other,” he said. The crowd turned against the monk, yelling for the battle to continue. He wouldn’t budge, holding the two apart with his hands. The curses of the crowd grew, and the gladiators turned against him, killing him before one and all. The crowed pelted him with rocks, scoffing at the one who would disrupt their entertainment.

But after witnessing the death of this God-fearing monk, Rome would never be the same. The testimony of one who would give his life to stop these games had immediate results. Within a few months of Telemachus’ death the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum ceased. This desert monk of tender conscience and strong courage was used by God to accomplish much. 

May we learn from the example of this godly man who was faithful when it mattered most. 

Attributes of God for beginners

God Is: A Devotional Guide to the Attributes of God by Mark Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most wouldn't think of a book on the attributes of God as devotional reading, but pastor Mark Jones accomplishes that task. He writes in a style that is clear and pointed. He takes the attributes of God one by one, describes the doctrine involved with that attribute, explains how it is revealed to us in the incarnate Christ, and finally demonstrates how it applies to Christians individually. It isn't a "soft" devotional, by that I mean it isn't one that makes you feel warm and good about yourself, and I appreciate that. Some of these teachings will clash with our sensibilities, but they are taken from Scripture so when that happens, it's because our sensibilities need correction.