[Wednesday's Devotional] - The Roman Forum & Coliseum

The Roman Forum & Coliseum I think if you ask my children what they most wanted to see in Rome, this was it. Both of them have studied Romans in history in school and I'm still amazed when I walk through Rome that one moment you are looking at something built in the 18th Century, then walk 10 minutes and there is something from the 3rd Century BC I'm amazed that something so old has survived the ravages of time, earthquakes, looting. We know lots of stories of how Christians died for their belief in the "theatre" of the Coliseum. When I look down on the now floorless base of the building, I try to imagine what it would have been like to stand there, facing gladiators or wild animals, knowing that just for who I believe in I'm going to die, or barely live only to fight and die another day. In places like this, I like to try and think what I would do. It's a very quick decision. I have no, believe me, zero tolerance for pain, and I know beyond doubt and to my everlasting shame, that I would have done everything to avoid being in that place of death in the first place. It's the same feeling I get when I sing the verse from the Worship song – How deep is the Fathers love for us – Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers I know, I would call out. The voice of the crowd is powerful. Peter knew this. Luke 22:54-62 describes the whole scene, however it's the sudden realisation And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times."  And he went out and wept bitterly Luke 22-61 & 62 [NIV]  I think it's a difficult world to proclaim our love of Jesus. It's hard in today's world. And If Peter failed, Jesus knows we are going to struggle too. But when you feel that shame, when you feel that doubt. Think what Peter did with his life after this moment. How many did he bring to Jesus, by proclaiming his word? So don't give up hope, there is no Gladiators on Rugby high street ready to cut you down to the baying crowds, although Asda on a Saturday morning comes very close... Steve Fogo Twitter Website Copyright © 2017 St. Matthew & St. Oswald's Church, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to the Daily Devotionals Our mailing address is: St. Matthew & St. Oswald's Church 1a New Street Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 7BE United Kingdom Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Want to be added to our mailing list? - sign up here!