The Pride that Destroys
Scripture: Acts 12:20-23 (NASB95)
Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king's country. On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. The people kept crying out, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Cowboy Wisdom
Pride is like a rattlesnake coiled up in your bedroll—you might not see it until it strikes, but when it does, partner, it's deadly. Herod had an ego bigger than Texas, and the people of Tyre and Sidon knew exactly how to play to it. They flattered him, called him a god, and he basked in that glory like a lizard on a hot rock. The problem wasn't just that someone called him a god—it was that he didn't deny it. He soaked it up, and that was his fatal mistake.
God's not interested in sharing His glory with anyone, especially not a two-bit tyrant in a glittering robe. Herod may have looked impressive in that silver outfit, shining in the sunlight, but God saw right through to his rotten heart. God wasted no time bringing judgment—His angel struck Herod down. He was eaten by worms and died, suffering for five days before meeting his Maker. He became worm-food at age 54. He reaped exactly what he'd sown.
History's littered with folks who proved the futility of fighting against God. You can't mock the Almighty and expect to get away with it. Whether it's a king in a silver robe or a modern philosopher saying God is dead, the end result's the same—God will not be mocked. Every knee will bow eventually, whether in humble worship or in terrified judgment. The only question is which one it'll be for you.
Questions for Reflection
In what ways does pride show up in your life?
Are you giving God the glory for your accomplishments, or taking credit yourself?
How do you respond when others praise or flatter you?
Prayer Focus
Ask God to reveal and root out any pride in your heart. Pray for true humility that gives all glory to God. Thank Him for His blessings and acknowledge that every good thing comes from His hand alone.
