Brilliance, Or Stupidity?
Opening Prayer
All-powerful Lord, today be my guide, my strength, and my refuge. I praise Your name.
Read ACTS 12:19b–25
19 After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.
Herod’s Death
Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.
21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
Barnabas and Saul Sent Off
25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
New International Version (NIV)
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Meditate
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isa. 40:8). What a comfort that brings.
Think Further
Christian history is full of reverses, but, amazingly, the Gospel continues to spread. Despite the death of James and the departure of Peter, God’s Word was advancing (24). Peter had been rescued from Herod’s clutches and now it is Herod himself who suffers and dies. Josephus the Roman–Jewish historian elaborates on this story. Apparently, Herod came to Caesarea to celebrate the games in honor of the Emperor, attended by VIPs. He entered the theater dressed in a glittering silver garment which picked up the sun’s rays and gave him another-worldly brilliance. Hence the flattery, which he accepted. He then saw an owl on a rope and took it as an omen. He was seized by internal pains (possibly appendicitis leading to peritonitis, with perhaps roundworms thrown in) and was carried into his palace, where he died five days later. This gruesome event is also recorded by Josephus in his Antiquities (19:8:2). The man who thought he was “it” discovered he wasn’t divine after all.
As I write we have been celebrating VJ Day (the day of Japanese surrender) and the end of World War II. Seventy years on, many veterans shared stories of brutality. Today, too, when we watch the news and see the atrocities that human beings still inflict on each other, we need to remember that, despite appearances, God is sovereign. Tyrants and terrorists come and go, perpetrating terrible damage, but all the time God’s Word is spreading. One day Jesus will
be acknowledged as the King of kings, and every knee will bow (Phil. 2:9–11).
Meanwhile, Christians must remain firm. Even in our lesser run-ins with opposition, perhaps at work, let us keep faithful to our Lord and refuse to bow to other gods. Remember that God acts against those who attempt to usurp his position; if not immediately, then in the long-term. Suffering may come our way, but God’s Word will continue to spread.
Apply
“’To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One” (Isa. 40:25). Read Isaiah 40. What comfort do you experience in the assertions and promises outlined in the chapter?
Closing prayer
King of kings and Lord of Lords, to You be all glory and praise. You reign now and forever.
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