This was the explanation of Herod’s condemnation and death. Accepting the false accolades of men as if he were God, the one true God struck him, “and he was eaten by worms and died” (v 23). What a horrible end of life for a failure to do what should be so obvious!
I wonder if sometimes we might be in danger of failing to give glory to God. Most of us find it easy to glorify God in good times, but sometimes even then we can be forgetful (cf Deut 8:11-20). However, there are other times when glorifying God doesn’t come as easy.
For example, in yesterday’s blog, we studied the word “Christian” and noted Peter’s use of the word in 1 Peter 4:16, “If anyone suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but rather let him glorify God in this name” (ESV). So we see here that we are to glorify God when we suffer for the cause of Christ.
In Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Paul spoke of glorying in tribulations, knowing that such produces patience (Rom 5:3). Paul elsewhere spoke of tribulations as plain evidence of God’s righteous judgment, that those who endure such serve to glorify Jesus in this life and at His return (2 Thes 1:5-12).
Finally, Paul spoke of himself as learning to glorify God in his own infirmities and weaknesses. This did not come naturally for Paul, neither does it come naturally for us.
Paul wrote that he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep a proper view of himself despite all that God had worked through him (cf 2 Cor 12:7-10). At first, Paul could not see the benefit of this “messenger of Satan.” Thus, he pleaded with the Lord three times that it might be taken away.
Instead of taking away the thorn, Jesus gave Paul grace and strength to endure his affliction, saying, “For My strength is made perfect in weakness.” In response, Paul said he would rather glory in his infirmities, knowing that in so doing the power of Christ would rest upon him.
May we so learn to glorify God in all things, both good and bad.
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