All That

He wanted to wear the blue robe with the gold trim and purple jewels. Unfortunately, his stupid servant didn't know where it was.

That's why he was dead now.

Herod walked the halls in his ruby red robe trimmed with blue jewels. His guard escorted him quietly. They knew full well that one misstep would result in their deaths.

He was god in his kingdom. Not some man from Nazareth.

The guards efficiently opened the doors for him. Everyone in the throne room dropped to the floor. No one made eye contact with him. He walked to his throne and turned very slowly. Addressing the sniveling beings in his most condescending tone, he informed them that he should execute them all. However, due to his unimaginable graciousness, he was sparing them.

He. Was. A god.

The people completely prostrated themselves in front of him. They were kissing the filthy floor, and their muffled shouts described his wisdom and glory. "The voice of a god, and not of a man."

That's right. He was god in his kingdom.

And then he dropped to the ground as pain ripped through his chest.

Based on Acts 12:20-23

"Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, 'The voice of a god, and not of a man!' 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." Acts 12:20-23

I read this story, and it makes me so sad. It's a mournful story of someone who wouldn't give God the glory. A story of someone who honestly believed he was godlike, who refused to even acknowledge the Higher Power that created it all. For crying out loud, I can't look at the stars or the grass, a baby, an orange, a volcano, or even a stinking book without seeing the glory/power/awesomeness of God.

We all screw up and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but God is pretty tolerant of our junk. This wasn't normal level screw up. This is a man refusing God with every fiber of his being. A being that God created. Eventually, he had to answer for that.

So, what's my point? What can we learn from this?

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Yeah, we may be smart, or capable, or impressive. We may have amazing abilities. We may be good leaders. We may be cunning and crafty. We may be wise and knowledgeable. However, God is ten times that amount. Be careful not to fall into the same trap Herod fell into. It's only because of God that we are what we are. It's only because of His power, glory, and might, that we can be awesome. Don't forget that. Give God the glory for whatever you do, whether it's eating a donut, or solving the world's crisis.

Yeah, we are all that, but God is more.

V. Joy Palmer