Worshipping Only God
“All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to
Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not
kneel down or pay him honor.” – Esther 3:2
On February 12, 304, magistrates in the town of Abitina in North Africa charged
49 Christians for not worshiping the Emperor Diocletian. A senator named Dativus
confessed Christ and was immediately put on a rack and was tortured. Saturninus,
a priest, also confessed the Lord and received a similar fate. Saturninus’
oldest son, Felix, was a reader in the church and was questioned if he had a
copy of the Scriptures. Felix confessed Christ and said he said most assuredly
that he had a copy of the Scriptures. The Romans beat him clubs. Last of all,
the lad Hilarion, the youngest son of Saturninus remained. The pro-counsel said
to him, "Will you follow your father and your brothers?" "I am a Christian", he
confessed in his youthful voice, "Of my own free will I joined the assembly with
my father and my brothers." The pro counsel then tried to terrify the boy by
threatening torments. He said, "I shall cut off your hair and your nose and your
ears. Then I will let you go." To this Hilarion replied clearly, "Do what you
please; I am a Christian". The pro counsel ordered him to be returned to prison
and all heard Hilarion's voice crying with great joy, "Thanks be to God!"
Throughout the ages to the present day, there have been those in authority who
want the worship that is reserved for Christ alone. Today in prayer, pray for
those throughout the world who face persecution. Pray that they may remain
strong and faithful to the Lord.
“Religious worship is due to God only.” – Matthew Henry
God’s Word: “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written:
'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'’” – Matthew 4:10
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2002, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH,
AND ESTHER
pkennedy@devotional.com