August 16
Bible Reading: Acts 12:18-25
Acts 12:23-24, “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. But the word of God increased and multiplied.”
Herod was an evil politician. He sought the favor of the people. He gave favors as he deemed fit. Hoping to assuage his anger, the people of Tyre and Sidon came seeking his favor, for they were hungry. He put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne in the auditorium, and delivered a speech to them. They dutifully shouted, “the voice of a God and not of a man!” (Acts 12:22). “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last” (Acts 12:23). He was loved by those who sought his favor and then he was loved by the worms who ate his flesh.
Years before this occasion, Gamaliel had warned his fellow would-be persecutors: “but if (this movement) is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God” (Acts 5:39). In his murderous acts, Herod was opposing the work of God. In receiving praise and refusing to acknowledge God, there came a time for him to reap what he’d sown.
The ESV Bible study includes this note in reference to Acts 12:24: “No power can triumph over the word (Acts 6:7; 13:49), and those who attempt to harm God’s people will in the end face judgment themselves.” Herod opposed God and faced judgment. James died and was ushered into God’s presence. Peter was miraculously delivered from prison and continued in fruitful ministry for many years. Despite Herod’s murderous activities, the “word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24).
You can imprison and even martyr God’s children, but you cannot imprison or silence God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:9). Long gone are Herod and his province and even the Roman empire itself. Indeed, “the world is passing away along with its desires” (1 John 2:17). But the church is forever, and those loved by Jesus are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37)!
In the longstanding war against God, it is imperative that we choose carefully which side to fight on!
WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Not for weight of glory, nor for crown and palm,
Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth lives for whom He died:
He whom Jesus saveth marches on His side.
By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army none can overthrow;
’Round His standard ranging, vict’ry is secure,
For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
Chosen to be soldiers, in an alien land,
Chosen, called, and faithful, for our Captain’s band;
In the service royal, let us not grow cold,
Let us be right loyal, noble, true and bold.
Master, wilt Thou keep us, by Thy grace divine,
Always on the Lord’s side—Savior, always Thine!
LookingtoJesus 