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SIXTUS II
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
Acts 20:22-35

John 10:11-15

 

“…the good shepherd

giveth his life for the sheep."

 

SIXTUS II
 
Sixtus II, of Greek origin, became bishop of Rome in AD 257, succeeding Bishop Stephen who had been martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Valerian. Though little is known of his early life, his brief ministry as bishop was marked by faithfulness and courage in the face of danger.
 
At first, under Valerian’s persecution, Sixtus was allowed to continue his pastoral duties without interference. But in August of AD 258, a new edict targeted bishops, priests and deacons for execution. Determined not to abandon his flock, Sixtus gathered believers in a secluded cemetery near St Callistus to preach God’s Word. There, soldiers arrested him and his companions. On August 6, Sixtus was beheaded, along with six deacons: Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus, Stephanus, Felicissimus and Agapitus. Four days later, his most famous deacon, Laurence of Rome, also suffered martyrdom.
 
Sixtus’ example reminds us of the kind of shepherds the church needs today: pastors willing to risk their lives rather than starve their people of God’s Word. He understood that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4). He knew that without the Word, the flock would be vulnerable to heresy and deception. For him, Scripture was the lamp to the feet and the light to the path of believers, even in times of danger and fear.
 
His testimony calls us to pray earnestly for our pastors, that they may remain stedfast, faithful, and bold in preaching the Word in season and out of season.
 
THOUGHT: Do I pray faithfully for my pastor, that he may be strengthened to feed the flock with God’s Word?
PRAYER: Father, please keep Thy under-shepherds faithful and diligent in their study and preaching of Thy Word. Strengthen them against the wiles of the enemy, and grant them courage to lead Thy people with truth and love.

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