On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. The people kept shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!” And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23

Every year there is a day dedicated to Claudius Cesar. On this day Herod is arrayed in a robe so covered with silver that at sunrise the rays make it glitter dazzlingly into the eyes of hordes of admiring onlookers. The people shout, “It is the voice of a god!” as if they are in the presence of a prince. It is profane flattery. This glory Herod takes only for himself.

And immediately, for God acts without delay, God vindicates His honor and sends an angel to strike Herod down. Older historians say nothing and yet an angel brought Peter out of prison and here an angel strikes down Herod. Those who saw these angels were the people of God. Believers; Spirit led. Herod is struck down because he does not give glory to God.

Upon being struck, Herod is eaten by worms or vermin, and after five days of awful torture he dies. And thus ends the persecutor’s life. Now, believers in our One true Savior and Lord grow and multiply exponentially. The living Gospel of good news in Jesus Christ flourishes. My friend, truly we live each day to glorify God.