Unstoppable! 'Consequences' — Acts 12:23-24

Thursday, July 17, 2025

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.

Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.

— Acts 12:23-24 NLT

Key Thought

The consequences of God's justice are often not seen so directly and so immediately as was the case with Herod — worms ate Herod and meanwhile the church continued to grow, even in the face of persecution. Psalm 5 makes clear — just as our verses demonstrate — that the Lord will not let evil triumph in the end and he will not allow proud, boastful, bloodthirsty, and deceitful leaders to stand without having to face the consequences of their own wicked arrogance:

For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.

The arrogant cannot stand
in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
you destroy those who tell lies.

The bloodthirsty and deceitful
you, Lord, detest.
(Psalm 5:4-6 NIV)

Today's Prayer

O Lord God, work your justice in our world quickly. We pledge our faithfulness to you and our passion for sharing Jesus in a world that feels like it is growing more hostile to him and to us. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Proverbs 16:18-25
  • 1 John 2:15-17

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 12:23-24 NLT — 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. Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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