DCLM Daily Manna Wed 15 May 2024
TOPIC: Brought Down by Pride
TEXT: Acts 12:1-5,18-24 (KJV)
12 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
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.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
KEY VERSE
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.”
Acts 12:1
DCLM Daily Manna Wed 15 May 2024 MESSAGE
The kings and rulers of this world hardly realize that because they are “ordained of God”, they are expected to mirror His qualities correspondingly. The Lord is Lord over all rulers. He loves peace, mercy, righteousness and has compassion for all. His justice is without partiality and His general goodwill is to all His creatures. He is not like an ill-tempered monarch taking pleasure in misery, disorder and violence among His subjects.
Herod was destitute of these characteristics. He proved he did not deserve his exalted seat as he ran riot, imprisoning and extra-judicially murdering innocent citizens in Jerusalem, notably the followers of Jesus Christ. Not satisfied with killing James the brother of John, he went ahead to arrest Apostle Peter. He imprisoned him, deferring his fate to a later time. Now, God did not only outwit Herod by miraculously freeing Peter but also slew him for his pride.
READ DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 14 May 2024 – He Made and Holds the Universe
The King of kings and His saints will always have the upper hand when arrogant lesser lords decide to go against His will. If these mere mortals refuse to acknowledge that the power they have is derived from heaven and that they are not to be oppressive, the greater Power steps in to annul their authority and deliver their victims. God never allows them extra space to desecrate the throne and position He allows them to hold in trust.
As believers, we should not fret when wicked rulers appear to be triumphing in their wickedness. Even if we are harassed by the authorities and their agents. We should maintain our peace as we live for the Lord and serve Him faithfully. We should have faith in His word that He will not hesitate to put an end to the evil system of the world.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Every reign of wickedness comes with an expiry date.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 9-11
