Reflecter or Receiver?
Any time someone dies because they did or didn't do something related to God, we ought to take notice! Here is one such account...
Herod, who had already put himself at odds with God by seeking to destroy the church, here we find receiving the worship and adoration which alone is reserved for God! He had worked out a peace deal with the people of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear him give a speech. He dressed in his royal apparel, sat on his royal throne and gave the speech of his life! And, as the people began shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!", God sent an angel to take him out, and immediately he died!
Why? Because he did not give glory to God! Rather than reflect the praise and adoration that came to him from man, he received it! This has sobering application to all of us!
The Bible says that God will share His glory with no man! He alone is worthy of worship, praise, adoration and God-like status to be sure! So, when Herod put himself in a place to welcome and receive all of this worship which alone is reserved for God...God put an end to it, and put an end to him!
Contrast this to Jesus, who always reflected worship to the Father, even though He was the only man worthy to receive it! Or, think of the way in which the disciples responded to the worship and praise of man. Later in Acts, Paul and Barnabas are used to heal a man and are promoted to God-like status among the people of that island...but, rather than receive that praise, they immediately reflect it, pointing the people to God who alone is the healer and worthy of praise.
I also think of Joseph, who when acknowledged and praised for his ability to miraculously interpret the Kings dreams, immediately reflects the glory from himself and points the king to God, who is the giver of the gift and ability to do such a thing!
Back to our story in Acts, it ends with a startling contrast...Herod's words stopped and God's Word multiplied! Man's voice and words and power and influence are all borrowed, limited and temporary. But, God's word is eternal, enduring and self-sustaining! I am just a little man, living in a little space and time, fully dependent for everything that i have...so, be about God and His Word today!
What a challenging reminder to me! Every day i put myself in a position to either reflect or receive praise from man. How will i respond when someone puts me in a place reserved only for God? How will i respond when people focus more on my words than on God's word?
Father, help me to always reflect the honor, praise and glory that alone is reserved for You! Help me to speak Your Word and direct people to Your wisdom, Your power and Your ability! Keep me mindful and humble today. All i have is from You. Herod's voice was from You and for You...and, so is mine and everything else that You have given me. Help me to give you honor and glory today!
Created over 2 years ago
