Slices
Prepare
God opposes the proud. Have you seen someone oppose God and set themselves up in God’s place? Pride is a repulsive attitude to observe. Pray for humility in your heart today, even as you might pray for others who come to mind.
Bible passage
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 quarrelling 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.
Explore
Before the great story of Acts shifts focus onto Paul’s missionary journeys in subsequent chapters, one loose end remains from the previous story: antagonistic King Herod. The heartless killer of the apostle James and would- be killer of the apostle Peter was still in power.
Luke explains briefly how a political spat with a neighbouring territory led to Herod’s big mistake. He spoke in front of a crowd, who responded with excessive praise, calling him a god. The outcome was not ambiguous. An angel of the Lord struck him, and we are told that ‘he was eaten by worms and died’ (v 23). However that death sentence specifically worked, it was a humiliating and gory demise.
There is one God and he does not share his glory with any other would-be gods (Isaiah 42:8). It is always true that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
Respond
The passage, and our entire section, ends with an encouraging note. The word of God continued to spread and flourish. Praise God that his word continues to reach the ends of the earth, even today, despite all the opposition!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jonah 1,2; Revelation 10
Pray for Scripture Union
Database Officer Meri Suokas asks us to pray for wisdom in improving the SU database and in streamlining processes to improve the digital experience for both staff and supporters. Pray for discernment about priorities and managing available resources. Pray too for good relationships with external suppliers.
