So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23

Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD said:

"I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another…”

In Herod’s case, God’s judgment was swift and severe! Because of His merciful kindness, God seldom acts as dramatically as He did in Herod’s case. He would be justified if He did.

Satan’s sin was wanting to be God (Isaiah 14:13-14). Human beings have followed Satan’s example ever since. We may not do so as blatantly, usually acting much more subtly—but when humans and humanity exalt ourselves and do not exalt God, are we not guilty of the same?

It is tempting to be eager to see God’s judgment on the arrogant when we see our society rejecting God and exalting ourselves. But let us pity those engaged in such blasphemy. Let us instead pray that God would grant the gift of repentance, as He has so graciously done for His elect.