Acts 12:23 “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”
King Herod had “killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:2) and had taken “Peter also”, “apprehended him”, and “put him in prison” (Acts 12:3-4). But, when the people adored Herod as a god, he had crossed a line that God will not tolerate, and he immediately came face to face with the wrath of God. He “arrayed” himself “in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them”, “And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man” (Acts 12:21-22). “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” (Acts 12:23). God makes it clear, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8). True servants of God are inherently humble. When the Centurion would have worshiped Peter, “Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” (Acts 10:26). Even angels will not allow men to worship them. Twice, John would have worshipped them, but they would not allow it. John describes what the angels did when he tried to worship them: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God …” (Revelation 19:10) and “Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Revelation 22:9). It is true that men can do great and magnificent things, but when men fail to humbly give God the glory for their gifts and blessings, they are subject to God’s judgment in this present world. And, when the people begin to heap adoration upon a person without giving the glory to God, God’s judgement will soon be evident. A true and humble servant of God will quickly say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13); thus, giving glory to God. And, they will say such things as, “thank God for blessing me this way” and “give God the glory”! Let us be careful to give God the glory for all our blessings!