Today will focus on the ultimate purpose of all human beings: Glorify God.

Continuing in Acts we see the ultimate folly of a powerful king. His demise was slowly progressing with the beginning of the persecution of the church thinking it would please the Jews. Here is a lesson for the tragedy of some in power who mistakenly try to harm God’s people to please others. God is watching the process as it evolves and when the threshold is crossed, judgment inevitably falls.

Herod’s pride led him (1) to battle his neighbors, tyre and Sidon (2) Displayed royal grandeur (3) He received their foolish flattery (4) and glorified himself as god.  The same angel who ministered to Peter in prison smote Herod to die a miserable death.

See God at work:

1. Early death of James resulted from king’s violence, but God was with him, Herod died because of the hand of an angel.
2. God miraculously delivered Peter but Herod had a horrible end.
3. Apostle died mature in grace but Herod died ripe in his sins.
4. James was lamented by the church but Herod was execrated by his subjects.
5. Apostle ascended to glory and the king went his place.

God raised up appropriate leadership to prosper his work. The word of God grew with power and grace.

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