“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 12:21-23
This Herod was a thoroughly ungodly man who experienced the fruit of his ungodliness in a very dramatic fashion! He’d ordered the Apostle James killed and tried to kill Peter. Then when sycophants mindlessly praised Him as a god, he forgot Who the real God is. He should have known better, but his ego ran wild. Then God struck him dead. As a persecutor of the early church, Herod experienced God’s inevitable and perfect justice sooner than most! This graphic story is also an excellent reminder that humility is a virtue honored by God. Our culture could use that reminder…
Today, we casually describe people as “gods”. Admittedly, that isn’t a claim they’re actually deities, but it still misunderstands the true magnitude and holiness of the One True Living God. Such labels represent a fascination and celebration of lifestyles that are the opposite of humble. We praise, celebrate, and follow those who most successfully draw attention to themselves. We live in a world where many people are famous just for being famous. Don’t get sucked into mindset!
Consider instead, those who are faithful and humble. Admire those who labor for years to care for the most vulnerable. Honor those who teach the truths of God without a celebrity platform and millions of followers. Celebrate those who love Jesus and avoid attention so that Jesus gets more attention. Let them set the pattern for your life as you follow Jesus. Don’t worry whether many people will ever know your name or remember you for years after meeting you. Worry about whether Jesus will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when you stand before Him. That’s what ultimately matters, not whether people on earth respect or adore you! The way of Jesus is the way of humility. We must diminish so that He is magnified and glorified. #FollowJesus