0797. 1. The Worship of Man Is Prohibited

1. The Worship of Man Is Prohibited

The Bible says "One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren" (Mat_23:8).

Peter and John refused worship. When the lame man who sat at the beautiful gate of the Temple was healed, the people rushed out, filled with wonder and amazement. They all ran together unto Peter and John. When Peter saw it, he answered the people, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? God * * hath glorified His Son, Jesus" (Act_3:12). How quickly did Peter turn their attention away from John and from himself, and unto God.

Peter refused worship. When he came to the house of Cornelius, as he was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter took him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself also am a man" (see Act_10:25-26).

Paul refused worship. At Lystra he healed a cripple who had never walked. Then the people lifted up their voices and cried, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." Then the priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. When Paul and Barnabas heard thereof, they ran in among the people crying out and saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you" (see Act_14:8-15).

A departed saint refused worship. When John was shown the vision of the marriage of the Lamb he fell down at the feet of the one who gave him the vision, to worship him. Quickly, the Heavenly one responded, "See thou do it not; I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God" (Rev_19:10).

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR