We find King Herod skillfully managing his rule. He’s been persecuting Christians to appease the Jews and just resolved a dispute with Tyre and Sidon. Then he gives a speech.
Acts 12:21-22 (CSB)
“On an appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a speech to them. The people began to shout, ‘It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!’”
We don’t have his words, but they’re worshiping him as a god! Incredible what happens next:
Acts 12:23 (CSB)
“At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died.”
Incredible and sobering! Throughout Scripture, when people receive praise bordering on worship, they quickly refuse it. Peter, in Acts 10:25-26, stops Cornelius cold: “Stand up; I’m a man like you!” Paul and Barnabas, in Acts 14:14-15, tear their clothes when a crowd calls them gods, crying, “We’re mortals like you—turn to the living God!” They knew glory belongs to God alone. But Herod? He welcomed it, believed it. God saw his heart and wouldn’t tolerate it. It reminds me of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30-32, boasting, “Look at this great kingdom I have built!” Instantly, his mind was taken, and he lived like an animal for seven years.
God does not share His glory with anyone. Everything we have—gifts, abilities, influence, even our lives—comes from Him. He alone deserves all honor, glory, and power. I wonder, when success comes, do we give it back to Him?
Father, help us see all we have is Yours. May we worship You alone and give You glory, especially when You work through us.
