SCRIPTURE:
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.
Acts 12:22-23
OBSERVATION:
The historian Josephus records this moment. Herod was dressed in a dazzling Silver robe. This meant he was shining. He gloried in the light of his own splendor. And the people kept crying out, “The voice of a god, and not of a man.” He drank it up. Herod accepted the divine adoration that wasn’t made for him. Herod loved the sound of his own voice. He spoke to his heart a lie and not the truth. This marked the beginning of the end.
Ps 15:2 says, “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.” The unshakable people are those who believe the truth in their hearts. Herod spoke a lie and did not deny himself glory that belonged to the Lord. Divine retribution came knocking, demanding King Herod’s life.
APPLICATION:
“Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor,” (Proverbs 18:1). Humility is the currency of heaven. Therefore, Herod was bankrupt. He drank the proverbial Kool-Aid. He began to believe in his heart that he was god. What a massive mistake that would cost him his throne, authority, glory, and his very life.
What we think in our hearts is important. God looks to the heart while man looks to the outer appearance. Jesus Christ is the light of the world; no amount of gold, silver, or electricity could ever change that. Herod's light was manufactured, while God's light is eternal. Therefore, I will think about what I am thinking about. What I speak to myself makes all the difference in the world. I will continue to serve an audience of one.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
Please, guide me to have Your heart, words, and action. I want to glorify Your name with my life. Amen.
