Acts 12:2-3 “Then he (Herod) killed James the brother of John with the sword.  And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also.”  NKJV

The growth of the first-century church was unsettling for King Herod. He was not accustomed to sharing the spotlight and this Christ-movement proved a threat. So, with no regard for justice, Herod ordered James, a Christ-follower, put to death. This delighted the Jews and reaffirmed Herod’s rightful position of power, popularity, and prestige. Once Herod got a taste of popularity, he craved it even more and “proceeded further” in his quest by ordering the arrest of Peter.

Yes, Herod loved the accolades of the people and craved the cheers of the crowd. If he lived today, he would be constantly checking the number of “likes” on his Facebook page to sustain his euphoric high.

Years ago, as a middle school teacher I encountered first-hand the euphoria that comes from popularity.  My classroom was two doors from the constant activity of the middle school office. Each fall as school began, I looked forward to the masses of faculty, staff, administrators, and parents sticking their head in my door to say, “Hello.”  It was so much fun being popular!

However, reality set in a few years later when my classroom was moved to the far end of the upstairs hallway. As the school year began, my popularity-bubble burst as I worked alone in my room all day. No one stopped by and stuck their head in. No one passed my door to wave. My popularity turned out to be bogus. As I made my long trek to the office, I observed many visitors stopping by my old classroom to chat with the new teacher. Suddenly it dawned on me: I was never popular. I was merely convenient! In addition, I had allowed my bogus- popularity to dictate my happiness.

Like me, Herod found delight in power, popularity, and prestige. But the reality is these are fleeting pleasure-highs. “Proceeding further” becomes imperative in sustaining them. Pleasing the Jews, no matter the cost, became Herod’s quest, leaving no regard to pleasing God.

Unfortunately, we can do this today. We can utilize most of our energy in pursuing the approval of others instead of God. We can disregard what is right and seek to please others in our quest of power, popularity, and prestige. Truth is, these are not sustainable. Psalm 103:5 says it is God who fills us. So, Sisters, we must choose: Will it be God or man we “proceed further” to please?

Father God, may we please You. Please take priority over our friends, our jobs, and our families. 

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane