Acts 12:20-25 – Be Careful

Read Acts 12:20-25

We have just a short passage today, and I’ve been listening to God for his message to me. I’d certainly invite you to share in the comments the message he gave you regarding this text. Sometimes it’s helpful to have a little background to understand the story’s relevance. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a Biblical scholar nor a historian. I do know that when you put things into the context of the time they were written, new insights can be forthcoming.

For instance, today we see the fall of Herod. In yesterday’s passage  Herod was out to get the Christians, particularly Peter.  His plan was foiled by God, so he left Jerusalem. I pictured Herod leaving in a huff to try and calm down, but it could have been more of a slinking away out of embarrassment. What do you think?

Today, Herod is back to work, angry with some people in his sphere of control. We don’t know what they did, and that really doesn’t matter.  They arrive to plead their case, and Herod uses his authority to make a speech. Again, the details are left to our imaginations, but the people were certainly trying to be as flattering as possible, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!”

We know that the line of Herod has been in control for generations, and I understand they are at least part Jewish. Herod would know, or should have known, how God’s commandments make it clear there is only one God, and he is to be honored. Herod was a little full of himself, and God responded.

What does that tell us? Be careful. I don’t think an angel of the Lord is lurking, waiting to fill us with worms. However, we should take care to honor God in all we say and do. Period. That should just be part of who we are as believers. We don’t have to walk on egg shells, that’s not what God intends for us. We need to seek him and know him. When we understand the depth of his love for us, the rest just follows. We can’t be God honoring if we aren’t God loving first.

We also see today another reference to John Mark. A bit of foreshadowing perhaps? We heard about John Mark yesterday, as it was his mother’s house that Peter ran to after his miraculous release from prison. I’m still chuckling as I picture Peter standing outside the gate when Rhoda left to tell the others he was free! Today’s passage ends the second section of Acts, and it sets up the third and final section – spreading the Good News to the ends of the earth. Barnabas, Saul and John Mark are now heading back to Antioch.

Take a moment to place yourself in this mission for God. Are you finding opportunities to reach out and share about God’s love?

Let’s pray.  Lord I need to continually be looking for the opportunity to open my mouth about you. Forgive me when I miss the cues. Forgive me when I hesitate for some reason. I stand against the evil one who tries to fill my head with lies that I am not good enough, strong enough, smart enough, ready enough. You have called me, and I am yours. May my mouth sing your praises once again. Thank you for the opportunity you have opened for us to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.