Read Acts 12-15
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 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 increase and spread. - Acts 12:21-24, NIV
The appointed day was the day Herod was celebrating in honor of Claudius Caesar. Herod was wearing his royal robe, which was silver and very flashy, something like Liberace would wear. Now some of you maybe asking, “Who?” (see insert). As Herod delivered his message and the people shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Herod played right along with the crowd working his audience when suddenly an angel of the Lord struck him down. He was seized with violent pains and was carried out and died five days later. What a way to go, eaten alive by worms.
I’m sure glad God gives us an extra measure of grace today! Have you ever been put on a platform or around a group of people for all to see and hear of your accomplishments, your success, your promotion, your new house, your wealth, your children and maybe even your successful ministries? If so, was God listed first for those whom you’d like to thank? We so often pray for God to answer our prayers and when answered we tend to forget who made them happen. Remember to always give thanks and praise to God our Father for all that happens in our lives. Don’t get caught wearing that flashy robe that blinds you from the one who makes all things possible.
- Rick Perez serves as an MPW (Ministry of Word & Prayer) at Adventure Church
