Sir John Oldcastle – “ROASTED” TO DEATH

The apostle Paul, writing to the early Church at Philippi, says, “21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” – Philippians 1:21. What a profound statement, and what a sound perspective of life and Christian living!!!

Paul is not some crazy lunatic, who believes in some absurd and equally crazy ideology. He is not advocating some destructive doctrine, like many who believe in human ideologies, for which they are willing to die. As long as he is alive, Paul desires to live for Christ. If ever there is a knock of death, comes calling him, then Paul considers it to be a gain, and never a loss…for then, Paul would be with the LORD, who redeemed him.

One such man who lived and died for Christ, his Redeemer is, Sir John Oldcastle, in medieval England. He followed the teachings of John Wycliffe, the “Morning Star of Reformation,” who believed the Scripture, and not the doctrines of the church, which were considered by the Church as heresy. 

Therefore, Sir John Oldcastle was given forty days to repent and recant his beliefs in 1413 AD. Fearing for his life, Oldcastle escaped to Wales, where he remained hidden for a year. Sadly, when a large reward was offered, someone betrayed him. Sir John Oldcastle was then captured, and latter, on 14 December 1417, he was roasted to death on a stake, at St Giles’ Fields, London, England.

Sir John Oldcastle, is a fine example of being faithful to the LORD, who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light, to be His witness and His ambassadors, even unto to their death. May we be found faithful by our LORD and our Master. Even so the LORD help us.