Keeping what they could not lose

The days held the anticipation of spring, with new fragrance and life at every turn. The sisters both looked forward to weddings within a year, easily financed by their well-placed father. To top it off, the sisters shared their new-found faith with their fiancés. The four often attended worship services together, joyfully singing and praying to their Savior.

The fly in the ointment was the year, for the sisters had the misfortune to be born into third century Rome. Their father was an important gentleman in Rome under the emperor Valerian, who reigned during an unsettled time for the empire. Whatever his motivation, Valerian massacred Christians.

Refina and Secunda, our beautiful and accomplished sisters, were engaged to Armentarius and Verinus. The two men renounced their new faith when faced with financial loss, and encouraged their fiancees’ to do the same.

This was not the first time that Rome had gone after Christians, although there had been no problems for 10 years or so. Refina and Secunda refused to deny their Savior. Disappointed with this stubbornness, the young men then reversed their bad situation. They turned in their betrothed.

Refina and Secunda were arrested and killed. No trial, no probation.

These women shed an idyllic life – the dream of many – for a brutal death. Not only were they forced to make a difficult stand for their faith, but they were betrayed by the young men they loved and trusted.

I wonder what their neighbors thought. Or the boy at the market? The soldier who arrested them? Some today want to portray Christianity as a religion of blessings and happiness: pray, open your Bible, and you’ll reap the harvest of good fortune and contentment. What if it isn't?

Conviction is convincing.

Jim Elliot said it well: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

The author of Hebrews said it even better:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Heb 12:2-3