July 22, 2021 - Acts 12:20-25

As I sit on a porch listening to the quiet morning noises all seems peaceful and tranquil and yet just a few miles away some of the most influential people in the world are making decisions that will impact the world. The work of God is not confined to just His people or the church. God works in everything, the entire world to demonstrate His power and majesty. We have seen this happen historically with Nebuchadnezzar’s reign as well as Pharaoh in Egypt. No matter what nation or empire, God is aware of the leadership and activities of all rulers.

This evil man, Herod the king, was the grandson of Herod the Great, who had ordered the Bethlehem children to be murdered (Matt.2:16-18), and the nephew of Herod Antipas, who had John the Baptist beheaded (Matt. 14:1-12). God was very aware of how Herod Agrippa I was treating His people.

Herod the king was unable to recapture Peter so he directs his attention toward others who exalt him and his authority. He had moved from Judea to Caesarea and the people of that region needed food from Judea. In normal political style, the people appealed to the king for his favor and assistance. Herod agrees to meet and receives adulations from the people who ascribe him as god without acknowledging his humanness. An angel of the Lord then strikes him for not giving God the glory and he immediately is eaten by worms and dies.

In times of drama and intrigue which happens in government and the secular realm, it is beneficial for everyone to be reminded that God is in control and that man’s attempts to rule without Him often are confusing, filled with motion, noise, and struggle. Psalm 2:1 asks the age-old question “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?”

While all this is occurring in the world, the work of God continued. In a simple sentence, we see the ministry of God expand and reproduce. Barnabas and Saul completed their responsibilities in Jerusalem and awaited God’s direction.

Today we see both the government and the church wrestling with issues impacting society. May we learn that God is in control, rejoice in His sovereignty as the gospel is shared and give the glory to Him!