Do Not Be Eaten By Worms
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Acts 12:1-25 and Psalm 18:1-50 (NIV)
(Daniel Lim from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Acts 12 and Psalm 18 (ESV)
The ending of Acts 12 depicts an arrogant and power-hungry king Herod, seeking glory and praise from the people of Tyre and Sidon. When the people declare that his was “a voice of a god, and not of a man” (v22), Herod did not give God the glory. He is then struck down by an angel of God and dies soon after being “eaten by worms”.
Psalm 18 contains David’s account of God’s protection over him from “my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me” (v17). David acknowledges God as “the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless” (v32) and the one who “trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze” (v34).
OBSERVE:
Acts 12 and Psalm 18 present to us two kings – Herod and David, with very different characters. Herod’s craving for man’s glory starkly contrasts with David’s humility. This can be observed by the posture of each king towards God.
Out of fear of losing his kingship, Herod attempts to seek out and kill an infant Jesus who was the prophesized king of the Jews (Matthew 2). In Mark 6, Herod regarded John the Baptist as a “righteous and holy man”, yet when put under pressure, he orders John to be beheaded to preserve his own image.
David penned Psalm 18 when he was already an accomplished warrior and leading an army. Yet he does not credit victory over his enemies to his military prowess, instead he attributes all his success to God.
APPLY:
While I may not consider myself depraved like Herod, I am conscious of my tendency to find gratification in my past achievements, to take pleasure in dwelling on a successful area in my life or maybe bask in a compliment coming my way. These unseen, seemingly harmless thoughts, are a reflection of my attitude towards my God.
If I truly believe that all my successes and triumphs are by His hand, would I not be drawing my confidence from God rather than my abilities?
If I know that my achievements are blessings from God, would I not take pleasure in Him who has blessed me, rather than the achievements?
If I acknowledge that God has equipped me with all my present abilities, and given me wisdom in the decisions I’ve made, would I not direct all compliments from man to my God?
How may I nurture the heart that David had for God within myself? How may I guard against pride, which can eat away within like a worm?
DO:
I have to remind myself, constantly, of God’s goodness in my life. (I can use a physical reminder until I learn this discipline)
I need to make it a habit to give thanks to Him in every success, especially when I know I’ve worked hard for it. (I can journal down the victories that God has won in my life, both big and small)
I should acknowledge God when man’s praise is sent my way. (I can start with a simple “Thank God for being good to me”)
PRAY:
Lord, You alone are good. All that I have is from You. I pray You help me remember this truth. Help me acknowledge You in all my ways, and make straight my paths. Amen.
