David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Comeuppance: an informal noun that means a deserved punishment or fate. It’s not often seen, but once in a while the guilty party will be convicted and sent to jail. Occasionally the bully will be caught and punished. Sometimes the office gossip has his secrets exposed.

When that happens, I’m inclined to feel pretty good about it. I want the guilty to be punished. I want the thieves to be caught and sent to jail. I like it when the tyrant is toppled. I was happy when the statue of Saddam Hussein was pulled down. I feel safer when drug dealers and pimps are busted.

So when Herod felt the immediate blow of the angel of God I’m thinking there were quite a few people who were glad. The tyrant had been toppled. The man had ordered the death of the senteries who had been in charge of Peter when he had escaped prison. They were put to death. Just like that. Now he’s dead. He lived by the sword, and he died by it too.

Some would call it Old Testament judgment. Others might say it was karma. Clearly, however, this was more than judgment or karma. This was a lesson. This was an example. This would allow the continued growth of the Christian church. Luke shows us that by his very next report: “But the word of God increased and multiplied.”

I have to be cautious about this smug delight in Herod’s sudden demise. It’s not like I don’t have my own failures. I’ve not killed anyone. But there are things I’ve done or failed to do, that if God were to be retributive toward me I would be in deep trouble.

Sometimes I wish I would get what I deserve. A pat on the back. Fair treatment from a merchant. Value for what I’ve paid. Promises kept. A word of kindness. None of that is wrong in itself. But if, before God, we were to receive what we deserve, we would have no hope. We’re all broken, sinful, rebellious creatures. We deserve to be abandoned by God.

God has a sword as well.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:12-16

Thankfully our King does not reign by the sword of retribution, but rather from a throne of grace!