Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHAT DID HEROD DO THAT WAS SO WRONG?

Acts Chapter Twelve tells the sad story of a powerful man who could not get his ego stroked enough. But let's put it into perspective. Herod was a king. Kings normally have little to nothing denied them. There were some folks who had not pleased Herod, and they were anxious to mend political fences.

So, the stage was set to make it happen. On an appointed day, Herod came to Caesarea, and so did those who were anxious to mend a political breach. As Herod waxed eloquently, his verbiage was met with applause and shouts of the people, "This is the voice of a god, not a king." So, what did Herod do that was so wrong? Their false accolades greatly pleased Herod who was content to soak up such praise rather than put himself into proper perspective as being a mere man, and not God at all. Since he would not acknowledge God and give Him due glory in front of the people, the wrath of God broke forth upon him. The Bible says that Herod was eaten of worms, and died in that great forum where minutes before he soaked up the false praise of the people.

What did Herod do that was so wrong? Earlier he had James killed. That was extremely terrible, but here, he openly took to himself praise and honor that belong only to God. This pattern was the creation of Lucifer, and exactly what got him and his angels kicked out of heaven. How many times has this been repeated through the centuries and each time with drastic, fatal and eternal consequences.

But what does this New Testament incident teach us today? It teaches us to reign in our sinful egos. We must not rob God of the just honor and glory that belongs to Him and Him alone. Whether one is high and mighty in this world or simple and lowly matters not. Each must know his place in relation to the Great Eternal God.

However, one may surmise, people who follow Herod's example today will not fall down dead, and be eaten of worms on the spot. This is doubtless true due to the marvelous grace of our loving Lord. However the pattern is set, and just as Herod lost his life in his robbing God, so anyone who follows his pattern will lose his life. What is meant by that is even though one is saved and follows this pattern, he will lose the profit and reward of life that he could have otherwise enjoyed throughout eternity. This is the meaning of I Cor. 3:9-15 and being saved yet so as by fire. Let us not walk in rebellion and thievery toward God, but give Him the honor and glory He should receive from our life. It will be blessings now, but more importantly for ever and ever hereafter.

FOR THOUGHT: Do you believe that taking the praise justly due another is a form of robbery? Have you ever had another take credit due to you? How did you feel? How do you think God reacts to men taking credit due to Him?