1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?
The Judgement of God came immediately upon Herod as he took his place to address his people, dressed in his royal raiment. The people loved him and chanted, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” (Acts 12:22) While the people were pleased, God Almighty was not!
All Herod had to do was call for the people to stop their chant and give glory to God, but he didn’t. He chose to accept the accolades of the crowd and because he did this, he paid the price with his life. Then immediately an Angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and gave up the ghost. (Acts 12:23)
The great historian, Josephus, wrote that Herod lingered in great pain for five days after the attack of the Angel. Then he gave up the ghost which means he died. The fact that he was king did not help him or save him. Just because the people loved him meant nothing to God.
The demonic spirit of Pride resulted in the death of Herod that day. King Nebuchadnezzar suffered greatly because of it as well. Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the Kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30) My mother used to have a saying, “He got too big for his britches.”
God will NEVER honor or bless the spirit of pride. As we read on in the 4th Chapter of Daniel, we find what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a Voice from Heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from you. And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make you to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over you until you know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the due of Heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles; feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws. (Daniel 4:31-33)
Finally, after many days, Nebuchadnezzar returned to his senses and repented, giving God all the Glory, Honor and Praise He so rightfully deserves. With that, God released him to return to his people and established him once again BUT he now understood the Power of God to take one out and he gave God all the Glory. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all whose Works are Truth, and His Ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase. (Daniel 4:37)
Never underestimate the Power of God! He is able to do all things including declare Judgement on whomever He chooses. Pride will never be accepted by God, NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!
God can……..….turn the tide……….in an instant.
To God be ALL glory, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
