When he became the first Roman emperor and took the title "Augustus" (Sebastian), Octavianus Caesar wanted to be called "Son of God," "Prince of Peace," "Divine," "Lord," and "Savior." His imperial successors continued to use these appellations as a matter ofright, and imperial theology taught that each emperor was deified and became a god upon his death.
"Wait a minute," I hear you say. "Those are Jesus' titles." Some Christians even think he was God on earth.
Yes, you are right. The early Christians co-opted the Emperor's titles to show that they considered Jesus a higher authority than Caesar. The penalty for doing this was death.
Talk about courage!
May we have such courage to make positive changes in today's world.

Lyn Pickhover, pondering

Lenten Devotions
March 15, 2021