We continued our Battle of the Sexes series this weekend. Just thought I’d share a thought and a story. If you want to read the entire evotional–email version of weekend messages–you can sign up @ www.theaterchurch.com/evotional.

I think a lot of our confusion about masculinity traces back to our view of Jesus. I think the church, by and large, has celebrated his feminine qualities and ignored his masculine qualities. In the words of Patrick Allen, Jesus is portrayed as a bearded lady.

Jesus was a man’s man. He’s the masculine prototype. If only guys knew that they didn’t have to look outside the church for adventure or check their masculinity at the door. Look at what Jesus did with his twelve disciples. They went places, met people, and did things they never would have dreamed of–the ultimate adventure! That is what happens when you follow Christ and live by faith.

One of the great challenges men face is managing their aggression. I think Jesus gives a way to channel our aggression for godly purposes. You can feel the channeled aggression in Matthew 11:12:

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold it.

I think those of us who practice Christianity in 21st century America don’t really appreciate the bravado of our spiritual ancestors.

How many Christians have never even heard of Polycarp?

Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna in the second century. Tradition has it he was discipled by the apostle John. When Polycarp was eighty-six years old, he was arrested because of his faith in Christ and told to recant Christ. Polycarp said, “Eight-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

The proconsul then ordered him burned at the stake.

According to ear witnesses, as Polycarp walked into the stadium in Smyrna, there was a voice from heaven that said: “Be strong, Polycarp, play the man.”

That is precisely what Polycarp did. He counted it a privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ. The something miraculous happened. According to eye witnesses, when they lit the fire, the flames engulfed him but didn’t burn him–almost like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In fact, instead of the smell of burning flesh there was a sweet aroma that filled the statium. It took an executioner stabbing Polycap to end his life.

Does that send tingles down anybody else’s spine?

Play the man!