"18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.
22 And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"
23 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.
24 But THE WORD OF GOD INCREASED AND MULTIPLIED."
Many times people who are "elevated" by peers get lost in the celebration of their perceived status. They seem to get caught up in all of the praise and adoration they are receiving and lose perspective of reality! In the 12th chapter of Acts Herod was CAUGHT up in the misguided adoration so much that "immediately an angel of the LORD struck him down" and ended his celebrated status! Herod did not "GIVE GOD THE GLORY", and it proved to be fatal for him!
Why do I GLORY in some earthly accomplishment when I know it is GOD who lets me even breathe the air to live (Isaiah 42:5-9)? There is nothing I can do outside of GOD's Providence, yet there is a selfish desire to be elevated among fellow humans? There is no greater joy than serving others, yet if done outside of HIS Plan, the acts become empty, with no purpose!
In the scripture above GOD had just miraculously provided Peter freedom from captivity. The guards assigned to guard him were chastised and then put to death. There was nothing they could do to prevent Peter's escape. There was nothing they could do to facilitate Peter's release! It is DIVINE INTERVENTION ALONE that caused Peter to be freed. GOD set him free and GOD got glory for it!
The provisions and supplications from GOD cannot be matched. The government, with all of its perceived power, cannot give you one extra minute of life! Great wealth cannot purchase one moment of good health! There are no guarantees that the world can give, except that one day you are going to die (Hebrews 9:27)! When that day comes, what will be said of you? Will they be singing your praises? Or will they say that you "GIVE GOD THE GLORY"??
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