“Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.” – Acts 12:23 (NLT)
There’s a local proverb in Guyana that says, “Every long rope has an end,” i.e., limits exist.
Acts 12 portrays a time of persecution. Herod Agrippa was a powerful authority of his day in the Bible. At his command, the apostle James was killed with a sword (Acts 12:2). Herod realised his act pleased a set of people (the Jews), so he continued to misuse his power. He imprisoned Peter under heavy guard, but an angel miraculously freed him. Of course, Peter’s escape greatly angered the powerful Herod, so he sentenced the guards to death.
It was as though the flex of Herod’s muscles had no end. But one day, the narrative changed. A day was set for Herod to meet the people. Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to the people. Acts 12:22 (NLT) tells us that the people gave Herod a great ovation, shouting, “…This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”
It was with that statement, and at that time, that Herod’s power had to stoop before the All-powerful God. The Bible tells us that instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, worms consumed him, and he died – because Herod accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. Herod’s long rope had finally come to an end. God shares His glory with no one (Acts 12:23).
Be careful, seemingly powerful people. It may seem as though your power is above all, and there can be no end to your reign, but God is the only all-consuming authority. He will always be God. Unless you humble yourself, the end of your rope will soon come – all glory belongs to God.
Prayer
All-powerful God, I have heard Your Word and have received Your warning. I repent of my prideful display of power. Wash me and make me a humble servant, giving glory only to You, in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Read: Isaiah 42:8; Ezekiel 28:2
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 22:7-16; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Isaiah 20; Isaiah 21; Isaiah 22; Isaiah 23