THURSDAY June 15, 2023

God’s Judgment Upon a King

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts 12:21-24

King Herod dressed himself in rich, glorious, royal apparel. It has been said, the robes he placed on himself were made of silver. When he sat down on his throne, his luxurious garments reflected the sun’s light. When the people saw all the majesty the shining glory, and listened to Herod’s formal speech, they began to declare, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”

Remember, it is God who blesses the righteous and the unrighteous. Yet within himself, Herod accepted their words of exaltation, and with pride, took all the glory for himself. Immediately, God, using an angel, judged Herod for not giving Him glory. He was struck with worms which began to devour him. Josephus, a 1st-Centry Roman-Jewish historian and military leader, wrote of this occasion. He recorded that it took five long days for Herod to die, as the worms ate him from the inside. It was like a terrible flesh-eating cancer. After the cleansing of the wicked and sin, the Word of God increased in power; it continued to spread and reach the lost.

What can we learn from Herod’s demise? We cannot take the glory that God deserves. God is the One who places a person in a position of authority, whether kings, Presidents or governors. Psalm 75:6-7 KJV, shows His authority: For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. God can use a President to bring judgment on a nation. We need to pray that God raises up a godly leader for America.

Never take the glory for the position you hold at work or in society or your gifts and talents. Who do you think gave you your abilities? It is God, not you. Give God the glory.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
~John Piper~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!