Man and Death

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Theme: "Man and Death."

Text: Acts 12:20-23

20. Herod was hostile to the Tyrians and Sidonians. But they came to him with one accord. They won Blastus, his chamberlain, and sought peace, because their country was supported by the king's. 21. On a set day, Herod, dressed in royal robes and seated on his throne, addressed them publicly. 22. The people cried out, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" 23. At that moment, an angel of the Lord struck him down because he had not given glory to God. And he died, eaten of worms.

Let us remember:

At the height of his glory, Herod was struck down by an angel of the Lord for not giving glory to God. He who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist just to please a little girl whose mother had manipulated her thirst for revenge. When humans are invested with a little power, they allow themselves to do anything without regard for their contemporaries. Abuse of power and overzealousness characterize bad leaders who end up killing several of their fellow citizens, forgetting that they themselves are subject to death. Thus, Herod was struck down, not by a human being, but by a spiritual and celestial being, by an angel sent by God. His fault was not for killing John the Baptist but for exalting himself above what is called God. He was stealing the glory of God. Now, the Lord God, that is his name; And He will never give His glory to a human, nor His honor to idols. Herod was the perpetrator of divine identity theft; he died as a result. Today, many religious organizations excel at stealing God's glory. They increasingly resemble businesses than churches. They have gurus elevated to spiritual guides who take God's place. If God decided to send the angel who took Herod's life to do the same to those who do not give glory to God, many of us would be among them. Finally, God can punish with death an individual who is at fault before Him. Many have already been struck by spiritual death but continue to walk in this world. Have a great Sunday. Amen.

Alain Louz.-