To God be the Glory

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 a 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. Acts 12:21-23

This is quite a scripture. That God would strike someone down for not giving praise to God is unnerving, I mean, if you apply His response to our world today. How many of us do not give God credit for what He has done for us?

My study notes discuss that pride is what killed Herod...pride...the same thing that overtook Lucifer...pride.

Pride is about the "self"- in this case, having a high opinion of oneself. Herod revelled in the adoration of the people who considered him a god and suffered greatly for it.

So why doesn't God punish us today with such fierce judgement? Especially those of us who know better?

Some might say that because of what Jesus did on the cross, we are spared until judgement day, which I agree with; however, Jesus had come and 'gone' and Herod was certainly witness to that...without being irreverent, I question why God does what He does some days....but then again, who am I to question why God does what He does?

That aside, this scripture should make us think - God is God alone, to be revered and feared. We should give honour and glory to God without shame. He deserves nothing less from us, for it is because of His Love and Mercy that we even exist. To God be the Glory!

Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.Psalm 111:9-10 (in Context) Psalm 111 (Whole Chapter)