Don’t Be a Blastus

Text: Acts 12:20-25

Theme: Things can go south when we place our hopes on Herods.

Key verses: “Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their citie were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant, and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them” (v. 20-21). “Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died” (v. 22-23).

What God said to me: Obviously, the emphasis here is on Herod and how he accepted the people’s worship and was instantly struck down and eaten alive by worms. But what about Blastus, his personal assistant? Nobody ever thinks about him. You can imagine how he was living high on the hog while he was the right hand man to the man. Think of how he must have felt when Herod was suddenly gone. ‘So, how are you doing today, Blastus?’ ‘Well, let’s see, my whole world was just devoured by worms, so how do you think I’m doing?’ (That is your sarcastic interpretation, and not mine, Dwayne.) Nonetheless, you are on to something with how you’re considering Blastus. There are so many in your world who place their hopes and dreams and livelihood on the success, popularity and power of another human being. Most likely Blastus was someone like that. But his world came crashing down in an instant when reality stepped in. You see, the reality is that I am the only one on the throne, and I will not share my glory with another. Blastus should have seen where things were headed with his boss. Herod became more and more full of himself–full of pride and a lust for power. He strutted around like a proud rooster, daring anyone to get in his way or speak against him. He thought he was “all that.” But in the end, he was just another frail human man, who could not stand against the power of the great I AM. Dwayne, beware of putting your trust in “horses and chariots,” as the psalmist David put it. And certainly don’t pin your hopes on a human person, no matter how powerful and persuasive they may be. I am the One you must honor. I am the One you must pledge alliance to and worship. Don’t be a Blastus.

What I said to God: Holy Lord, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with You today and focus on Your Word and hear from You. Thank You for meeting with me and speaking to me so clearly. Forgive me when I am enthralled with impressive and powerful people. Forgive me when I chase after my own glory and way, rather than yielding all glory and honor to You Most High. You are the One I adore today. I humble myself before the mighty hand of God, who in due time may exalt me according to Your will and plan. Please watch over my wife and boys. I love them dearly and want them to yield themselves to You today, even as I must do.