The Glory

So, on an appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a public address to them. The populace began to shout, ‘It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!’ At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died. Then God’s message flourished and multiplied. Acts 12:21-24 HCSB

It’s written right there in the Bible. Herod died because he didn’t give God the glory. He accepted the praise of the people as if he were the God who deserved their praise and adoration. The Lord did not appreciate Herod’s actions, so, He caused Herod to be infected with worms to the point that he died. It’s interesting to note that after this happened, that God’s message flourished and multiplied (vs. 24). God will ultimately get the glory.

God deserves our worship. He deserves our praise. There is nothing that we have done that could have possibly been accomplished without Him. He deserves all of the glory and honor and praise for anything good that has ever happened. Because He is the Lord of all and creator of all things, God is serious about receiving the glory. He does not appreciate it when we try to steal the glory that ultimately belongs to Him.

In Philippians 2:10-11, Paul wrote, So that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow-of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (HCSB) This scripture even indicates that when we give praise to Jesus, it is to the “glory” of God the Father.

All the hard work that we’ve done, all that we’ve accomplished, all that we own or ever will own, all of the beauty in the world, every good thing that ever has or ever will be, all of those we lead to Christ or lead in worship or disciple or mentor, all of our families, friends, small groups, marriages, education, and vocation – everything – absolutely everything – is because of the Lord and all of the praise, honor, and glory belongs to Him.

Lord, help us to give You the glory in all that we do and in all that we say. It all belongs to You alone.