MONDAY 13TH AUGUST 2018 MORNING
Acts 12:20-23 New International Version (NIV)
20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.
21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
In this incident we see the pride of King Herod. The people praised him not just as King but as God. He did not refuse to accept their praise. So God condemned him swiftly.
We all like to be praised but let us not be tempted to take the glory which belongs to God alone. Let us humbly realise that whatever we have been able to achieve, it is by the Grace of God. Let us be humble and faithful in every area of our lives and God will bless and uplift us.
JUMANNE TAREHE 13 AGOSTI 2018 ASUBUHI
MATENDO 12:20-23
20 Naye Herode alikuwa amewakasirikia sana watu wa Tiro na Sidoni; wakamwendea kwa nia moja, na wakiisha kufanya urafiki na Blasto, mwenye kukitunza chumba cha mfalme cha kulalia, wakataka amani; kwa maana nchi yao ilipata riziki kwa nchi ya mfalme.
21 Basi siku moja iliyoazimiwa, Herode akajivika mavazi ya kifalme, akaketi katika kiti cha enzi, akatoa hotuba mbele yao.
22 Watu wakapiga kelele, wakisema, Ni sauti ya Mungu, si sauti ya mwanadamu.
23 Mara malaika wa Bwana akampiga, kwa sababu hakumpa Mungu utukufu; akaliwa na chango, akatokwa na roho.
Hapa tunasikia habari za Mfalme Herode. Alistahili sifa kama Mfalme laki watu walizidisha sifa. Watu walisema Herode ni Sauti ya Mungu. Mfalme Herode alipaswa kukataa sifa hizi. Alipokea sifa na Mungu alimhukumu.
Sote tunapenda kusifiwa. Lakini tuwe waangalifu. Tusikubali sifa ambayo hatustahili. Pia tukiri katika mafanikio yeyote tunayopata, ni neema ya Mungu imetuwezesha. Tuwe wanyenyekevu na waaminifu katika maisha yetu yote na Mungu atatubariki na kutuinua.
