“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. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 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. On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”

‭‭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. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Peter’s mysterious disappearance from the prison caused no end of a stir. The unsuspecting guards had to pay the price. 

Meanwhile, Herod was on his own mission…he was asked to make peace with the people of Tyre and Sidon with whom he had quarrelled. His speech was so moving on the day that they hailed him as a god! 

Well! That did it! Herod had to learn a good lesson…to his great loss. Never mess with God‘s glory. Never take credit for anything because God is the source of everything. To Him alone belongs all the glory. 

Herod paid the price for his foolishness with his life…not just death but a most humiliating demise. This pompous fool loved the limelight…and the accolades of humans. His pride cost him his life…in a most horrific way… and it will cost the lives of all who follow in his steps. 

If there is anything God hates, it is pride because pride takes the glory from Him and gives it to those whom He created. How can a creature take credit for what he did not do? 

So, God rightfully removed a man who had not respect for Him. Herod would no longer be able to harass God‘s people, although…in His sovereignty, there would be many others in the coming days whom the Father would use to refine the faith of His servants. 

And so, against all odds, God’s Spirit continued to work deeply in human hearts…bringing to faith many who were steeped in paganism. 

To be continued