Sunday 2-5-17, Modesto, California
Today we read Exod 39 – 40, Psalm 15
and Acts 12
S = Scripture O = Observation A =
Application P = Prayer SOAP for the soul.
S. Acts 12:23-24 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a
sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory
to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. But God's Good News was
spreading rapidly, and there were many new believers. NLT
O. This chapter begins with King Herod
arresting James, John’s brother… and had him killed just to please the Jews. He
is the fifth of six Herods mentioned in the New Testament record, all of the
same clan that held authority over sections of Israel during the Roman rule.
- Herod the Great, killed all the
little baby boys in Bethlehem.
- Herod Archelaus: Herod the
Great’s son, Joseph and Mary avoided him.
- Herod Antipas: Beheaded John
the Baptist.
- Herod Philip of Galilee: Met
and mocked Jesus at His trial.
- Herod Agrippa I: Beheaded
James, received praise, died, eaten of worms.
- Herod Agrippa II: “Almost
persuaded” after hearing Paul’s message.
The Herod
clan didn’t have a clean record to say the least. And God the Father got fed up
with this Herod in Acts 12 when he accepted worship as if he were a god. God
fed him to the worms. What a nasty way to die!
A. I get the idea that God hates pride.
I sometimes shudder at the roar of screaming, applauding audiences that
practically worship their favorite entertainers. I have to guard my heart as I
stand before small and great audiences and witness their approval by their
applause. We used to be happy with an “amen” now and then. J
P. Lord Jesus: You deserved “amens” and
applause while here on earth, but although many came from great distances to
hear You and receive Your healing, transforming touch, we have no record of
mass praise and applause… except at Your triumphal entry into Jerusalem only
days before Your crucifixion. Guard my heart, Oh Lord. May all praise be
directed to You, for You alone are worthy! Amen.
Ralph
No comments:
Post a Comment