God Will Fight Our Battles.

Acts 12:19 After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply. 21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. 25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4B.C. to A.D. 39. He had John the Baptist beheaded and judged Jesus at his trial.[1] Herod was a brutal man. Herod killed several male children under the age of two corresponding to the time of Jesus' birth. He wanted to protect his kingdom from being taken from him. He is reported to have killed his wife and step-children.

In Exodus 14:14 we learn to trust God because He will take care of us. It is our responsibility to pray for those in charge. Herod was a danger to the Israelites for many years. The people continued to trust God; speaking and teaching his word. It is our goal to continue this behavior.

The life of Herod teaches that God is patient and wants everyone to seek Him to change their lives. It is our responsibility to love and pray for everyone. Can you pray for individuals today?

Bibliography

Garland, David E. Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

[1] John A. Martin, “Luke,” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984), 203.