In these days where western countries seemed to increasingly have governments of hedonistic socialism that are anti-God, so the people can pursue the own desires; and other Asian and developing countries have ruler more set on their absolute rule, and opposing the Lordship of Christ, they could all do well to remember the fate of Herod. Rulers openly rejecting Christ, persecuting His followers, behaving like gods, and rejecting justice and peace, have but one end.
Acts 12:1-4
Herod’s Violence to the Church
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
This regional monarch who thought he could abuse Christ and His followers for the sake of popularity, and it seems believed in himself before others and God, found himself judged by the living God even while seated in all this authority.
Acts 12:20-24
Herod’s Violent Death
Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.
So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
God chose, in His wisdom, and at the appointed time, to reveal what becomes of ruler who rejects justice and become like gods. Sure he persecuted Christians, which only sped up the growth of Christianity, but also also thought he was the one who spoke as if god, and was the ruler of lives. As the people rose up with a prophetic voice and declared a pursuit of God’s word not man’s, the pretender was dealt a fatal blow. Christ, The Judge of the living and the dead revealed His hand.
Ruler, politicians, kings, queens, and chiefs, remember, Christ is d the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and His rule will prevail. In the coming years you will see this on display.
But remember, their is repentance leading to life, and making you a great leader.
Kingdom Blog 