Life is an interesting thing. It's the first week of school and already I've learned a lot, and not actually from my classes. We are taught in the scriptures that the Lord has his own time table, that the things that he does are done according to his will. Not always do we understand where he is guiding us, but it is important to have faith, and to know that we will not be blind for long. 

Herod, the King killed James, the brother of John. Herod’s motivation, and the reason for him also descending upon Peter, and imprisoned him, was because it pleased the Jews. Herod was led by the will of man rather than that of God’s. 

But Herod could not keep Peter imprisoned. It was not the will of God. So when Herod found Peter gone, he ordered that the soldiers that had been guarding Peter be put to death. He handled his sin with more violence. He demeaned and put down all people. He took the credit of others for himself. He was unfair and unjust.

When it came time to make peace, because of the desire of natural goods, King Herod took credit for the bounty. He arrayed himself in fine apparel. But because Herod did not give the credit to God, the angel of the Lord smote him. He was eaten by worms, and gave up the ghost. God would not tolerate Herod’s evil, and so he destroyed him.

Peter, the Prophet was directed by an opposite power. The Lord was his guide. An angel was sent to free him. Peter was obedient to the instructions of God. Peter knew that it was the Lord that delivered him from Herod and the people.

Peter was kind to others. When his friends feared him, because they thought him dead, he beckoned to them peace. He told them of how the Lord had saved him. He gave the credit of his life to he who was responsible for it. He asked his friends to “shew these things unto James, and to the brethren.” He left, and was saved from the evil of Herod.

The deciding factor in the fate of both of these men is so simple. One let the spirit guide him, and gave credit to the Lord. The other sinned, he let the voice of the people be his motivation, and he took the credit for the plentifulness of his land. In result he was punished. Peter lived to continue serving the Lord, Herod died to be an example to those that would sin and fight against the will of the God. 

Not always will we suffer such horrible consequences for not doing that which God knows is best. But there are consequences, and we must face them. Better to obey, and walk blindly to soon see, and be blessed, than to travel a dark path unguided to cause our own demise in the end.