Worm Manure: Acts 12:20-24
“20) Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king’s country. 21) On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. 22) The people kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23) And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24) But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. 25) And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.” Acts 12:20-25
If you stand back and look at the big picture, this text captures the contrast between Gods program and the memory of the opposition. During his life, Herod was feared as an oppressor. He tried to stomp out the cause of God. In the end, he died and he was consumed by worms. History has long forgotten him.
Herod reeked from self glory and pride. The crowd called him a god, but they secretly viewed him as a devil. In truth, they celebrated his death more than his life. So is the fate of every mortal who deceives themself into thinking they have attained godhood. Shortly after their death they are reduced to a pile of worm manure.
By contrast the text says; “24) But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” The gospel went on to change to course of human history. Peter became a household name and many throughout history have been named after him! The wicked always come to an end and slip away into obscurity. When was the last time you met someone named “Herod?”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
