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The One Year New Testament

November 21

Acts 12:20-25

Acts 12:20-25

20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Reflection

Herod’s desire for the praises of people (Acts 12:3) proves to be his undoing. He accepts the worship of the crowd, who declare that he has “the voice of a god, and not of a man” (v. 22).

The Old Testament consistently teaches that when a person exalts himself, or allows others to exalt him, God will bring him down (Gen. 11:4; Isa. 14:12–15; Dan. 4:19–27). The Bible teaches that it is the humble, lowly, and needy who enjoy the life-giving benefits of God’s mercy and grace. This is the glorious irony of the gospel. With Herod’s death, “the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). God directly intervenes to eliminate another obstacle to his plans, proving that no human can stand in the way of his salvation work. The world may bring distress and sorrow, but it cannot ultimately shake those who have been touched by the power and grace of the resurrected Christ. They pray fervently in the midst of persecution, threat, and suffering (v. 5), and God works beyond even what they can ask or imagine.

Revelation 1:1-3

Revelation 1:1-3

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Reflection

John presents his book as the revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1); that is, the book comes from and is about Jesus. God gave the message to Jesus, who sent his angel to John with it, so that the servants of Jesus would be motivated to proclaim the Word of God and speak about Jesus (see comments on 10:1–11). John pronounces the first of seven blessings on those who speak, hear, and keep the things that are written in this book (1:3; cf. 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). Because he died and rose again, Jesus now reigns and blesses those who are faithful to him to the end.

Psalm 108:5

Psalm 108:5

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!

Thoughts For Prayer

As we see in the death of Herod (Acts 12:22–23), God will not share his glory with another. Pray that you and the churches in your community would be motivated to live for God’s glory above all else.

Missions Prayer Requests More

  • November 21, 2024

    Supported Workers: Scranton Road Bible Church

    Country: United States of America

    They are grateful to have had a good start to their Wednesday evening Good News Kids and Youth Group. Both groups have grown in number since last year. Pray that the gospel will be clearly communicated to the kids and that the teens will be equipped to live out their faith. Pray for energy and endurance for staff and volunteers! SRBC began a new ministry with parents of teens on Monday nights. Pray for these parents as they support their young men and women. Pray that they will respond to the gospel message. As they prepare for their November Thanksgiving outreach, pray that they will serve graciously, with an eye to physical needs, and that people will respond to the gospel message that accompanies each turkey and box of sides.

    Belgium (Europe). Population: 11,715,774 Believers: 1.2%. The secular worldview seems to have triumphed in Belgium. Atheists and non-religious now number 31% of society. The Bible has been reintroduced to Belgian society after many centuries of being discouraged, even banned, by the Catholic Church before 1960. Pray that the Word of God might take root deeply within the fabric of Belgium society.
    From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.