Have you noticed how the wicked often seem to get away with their wrongdoing, and even prosper by it! If you have ever been tempted to think that is the best way to live, then you better take note of this true story.
King Herod was a man who loved wickedness! Power, violence, sex, murder, and unbelief in God were important to him. (Matthew 14:1-11. 2ndPeter 2:9-15.) Herod hated true Christians! (Acts 12:1-3.) You can guess how angry and wicked he became when he discovered that Peter, whom he had put in prison, had mysteriously escaped.
Peter had been miraculously set free by an angel of God. (Acts 12:6-11.) Herod “cross-examined the guards, and ordered that they be executed.” (verse 19.) Herod loved to exercise his power and control over people’s lives.
The people of Tyre and Sidon lived in fear of Herod, because he was angry with them. They sent a group to see him, and to ask for peace.
“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 a man.” (verses 20-22.) What a feeling of power and authority this gave to the wicked king.
Many leaders today, especially in religions, want to enjoy the same feelings. Some still get their faithful followers to believe that their words and actions as leaders have all the authority and power of God! They love being honoured and respected in this way by their fellow-men.
But God is against those who are proud, and exalt themselves. (Luke 1:51-52. 18:9-14.) God will not share His glory with another. (Isaiah 42:8.)
Only one Man ever qualified to be honoured and worshipped as God – that was, of course, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Hebrews 1:1-6. John 20:26-29.) God warned us that many imposters would come claiming to take the place of the sinner’s only Priest - claiming the honour that belongs to Christ Jesus alone. (Matthew 24:4-5. 1stTimothy 2:5-6.) BEWARE!
King Herod “did not give praise to God” that day; instead, he accepted glory that was due to God alone. “Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him down … He was eaten by worms and died.” (verse 23.) You see, wickedness doesn’t pay - GOD WILL REPAY THE WICKED! (Malachi 4:1-3. Matthew 13:37-43.) “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31.)
Maybe you are thinking, “God is a God of love and kindness.” Yes! He certainly is. He has demonstrated His great love by sending His Son, Christ Jesus, into this world to take the punishment of mankind’s sin upon Himself, and die for us. (Romans 5:8. 1stPeter 2:24.) But, when people claim that the words and actions of a man, or a priest are just like that of God, they are bringing upon themselves God’s righteous anger and judgment. (Hebrews 7:24-27. & John 3:16-19.)
Read Acts chapter 12, verses 18-25.
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