Acts 10-12: Comparing Man with God

I cannot help but think of all the people who have compared our current President with Jesus, calling him "messiah." I cringe each time I hear this reference. To my knowledge, President Obama has not said these things himself, but it sure would be nice to hear him say something like the Apostle Peter said, "Stand up; I too am just a man" (Acts 10:26).

The struggle of man against God has been in process since the beginning of time. Jacob wrestled with the angel. Pharaoh said, "Who is Jehovah that I should listen to Him?" God said of Israel, "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:18). Why are we always testing God? Why are we so hard-headed? Why do we refuse to listen, to obey, to submit?

At the end of Acts 12 there is an humbling reference to a small historical event. King Herod publicly addressed the people of Tyre and Sidon. Wanting to flatter King Herod they began shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" (Acts 12:22). Herod SHOULD have shown the same humility Peter had just shown in the house of Cornelius. He should have raised his hand and said, "No, I am but a man." But he allowed the praise to continue; he accepted it. "Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died" (Acts 12:23). Poor, little, insignificant MAN, who dared to compare himself to God. He suffered a painful and dishonorable death at the hand of the true God.

It doesn't matter how great a man becomes on this earth, he still must give homage to the King of heaven and earth! Psalm 2:10-12 says:

10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

This passage is addressed to the kings of the earth! We may have big plans down here on earth, but they are so limited, so small, in comparison to Jehovah's plans and power.

Immediately after the verse which records Herod's death, is the simple statement of comparison: "But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied" (Acts 12:24). The name and reputation of Herod is long gone, but the word of the Lord continues to this day.

God bless,
Nathan

Tomorrow's Reading: Acts 13-14