GOD HAS THE LAST WORD
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, I come to your Word today, looking for you to meet me, to teach me, and strengthen me with the truth of who you are.
Read ACTS 12:19b–24
19 After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.
Herod’s Death
Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.
21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
As you look at the world today, where do you long most to see God’s power made known?Tyrants in any age exercise their power in similar ways: violence, as we saw yesterday, or the control of vital supplies—in this case food. In the end, most oppressors overreach themselves. Excessive pride and arrogance become the source of their downfall. Here it is seen in theological terms. Herod received the adulation of the people, usurped the place of God, and God stepped in. The downfall of any oppressor has similar logic. God is the Ruler of the nations, the King of kings. He has the ultimate authority, and he will have the last word. We may not see it now. We may, like the saints in Revelation 6:10, cry out, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord?’ But we can be confident that the time will come when God will reign in justice.
As we struggle with the tension of knowing that God has won the final victory, but do not yet see it completely, we can be encouraged by these verses. The Word of God continues to spread. Many of us may live in places where we feel that the church is in decline and may be discouraged. Even there we can find signs of hope, and if we look at the world situation we will find even more reason to see that, now as then, God’s purposes will be accomplished.
Apply
What actions can you take today that will attest to your trust in God and his plan for you?
Closing prayer
Thank you, Father, that no matter what forces are at play in the world, your Word continues to spread and flourish; your kingdom continues to strengthen and grow.
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