By Peter Kennedy
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Around 420 A.D., there lived in Persia, modern day Iran, a Christian nobleman named Hormizd.
The King of the Persians, ordered him to be summoned before him and to reject God as his Savior. But Hormizd cried: “What you command, O, King, is neither just nor expedient, for whosoever has learned readily to despise God, Who is the ruler of all men, and to deny Him, will be so much the more ready to despise his King, since the latter is but a man and a participator in human weakness.”
The King of Persia was infuriated by Hormizd’s response. He ordered him to strip off all his garments except only a breechcloth, and lead the camels that were in his army.
After many days had past, the King, looking down from his raised seat, and seeing that excellent nobleman scorched by the sun’s rays and all covered with dust, called to mind his former rank and splendor, and ordered Hormizd to be brought to him, and a linen shift to be thrown about him.
Then, presuming a change of mind through the hardships he endured, or in light of the kindness now shown him, he appealed to him, saying, “Come, now, put away your obstinacy, and deny the carpenter’s son.” But Hormizd stood firm in his faith. He tore the shift in two and, tossing it in the King’s face, rebuked him, saying, “If you think I shall desert my faith for this thing’s sake, take back your gift and your impious thought with it.”
No matter what life may throw your way, stand firm in Christ. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that in Him you can stand in faith and never be shaken.
“The secret of strong and healthy faith is constant cultivation of the presence of God in Christ in the life. Center your attention – your affection on Him – faith comes along without any difficulty. Think of God – not faith!” – Richard C. Halverson.
God’s Word: “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:8.
