SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:18-24

OBSERVATION:
People can scheme, but the Lord’s purpose will always prevail in the end. The Lord frustrates the plans of the wicked. His purposes are contrasted with ours through what happens to Herod. This is not the first time someone ”did not give praise to God”, but the Lord makes an example of Him. His message (word of God) continues to spread, despite opposition.

APPLICATION:
Whenever someone suffers for selfish, sinful living, the Lord is speaking, warning us. The Lord’s message (plan, purpose) will continue to unfold through history, no matter what happens. People do not always feel the results for their sin (like Herod did), but they will one day, and those who do are reminders for all of us (1 Corinthians 10:5-6).

PRAYER:
Lord, I am still so slow to learn. Remind me again and again that all things are working according to Your plan, no matter how desperate things appear, and that Your purpose will prevail. Amen.