God Crushes the Proud

Pride is an abomination to God, and He promises to punish it (see Prov. 16:5 and Prov. 6:16-17). Acts 12:20-24 describes Herod Agrippa's immense pride and his dealings with the Tyrians and Sidonians. Leading up to this he had mistreated Christians, including killing James and arresting Peter. He most likely was starving, or planning to starve, the Tyrians and Sidonians, which is why they were coming to petition him. They flattered him, not due to true appreciation but because they wanted food. He accepted the praise of "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" and God struck him and he died. His grandfather was the one who put to death all the baby boys, and he also died in a similar way. God will not let pride go unpunished. It is our pride that makes us sinfully angry, and that makes us think others should think so highly of us. There is a Herod in all of us that has been restrained by God's grace. Thankfully, we have a Humble King who lowered Himself to become a man and look as we do, but without sin. To Him be all the glory and honor!