GENERAL MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION – 22 September 256 AD

What would you and I do, if death were to knock our door, for being a Christian? Would we answer the door, and open it with a smile? Not an easy question to answer. However, it is good to think about it. It good to arrive at a conclusion. Paul, had his answer ready, when he said…
– “21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

On 22 September in 256 AD death knocked on the doors of General Maurice, of the mighty Roman empire, and his entire legion. The Roman empire was being troubled by a band of marauding Goths, in a narrow river pass in the Swiss Alps. General Maurice, of African descent from Egypt, led the Theban Legion, consisting of brave and courageous African soldiers, fought valiantly, and defeat the Gothic bandits. The Theban Legion was exceptionally skilled and experienced, who ably served Rome, as its bulwark, to shock and stop, any enemy of Rome. 

Maurice and his Legion, being Christians, paused along with his brave soldiers, and gave thanks to Jesus, His LORD and Saviour. At the same time, General Maurice, received a command from Emperor Maximian, to offer a sacrifice of thanks to the Roman gods. But Maurice refused the order, unwilling to do something that compromised his faith in Christ. Subsequently, the whole Theban Legion, consisting of 6,666 brave and courageous soldiers, and its commander Maurice, were slain by the sword.

What would we do, if we were in the place of Maurice? What would we do, if we were one of the soldiers of the Theban Legion? Would we be willing to give up our life for Christ? Would we try and save our life? May the LORD help us to learn to live for Him, and if need be, offer ourselves for Him. Even so the LORD help us.