His will be done
by Sal Huckel
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But the word of God increased and multiplied (Acts 12:24).
Read Acts 12:18–25
Earlier in Acts, we find wisdom from a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a ‘teacher of the law held in honour by all the people’ (Acts 5:38,39): ‘ … So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!’
It is true that we have had some heavy losses by this time in Acts. Apostles have been martyred – but not before seeing visions, appearing radiant and giving powerful testimony, and after performing many miracles through which God increased his church daily.
In our passage today, we may be mildly surprised at the harshness of the death of the unfortunate soldiers guarding Peter in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in the context of the events up until now we have seen many life-and-death miracles, including the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira for cheating the Lord financially. Now we see the deaths of these two soldiers and Herod himself. Gamaliel was right – his words are borne out in our reading today. To be found opposing God means death. We know that to be on the Lord’s side means death is not ‘death’ at all – it is life with Christ in eternity.
God’s kingdom is ‘life-and-death business’. Our faith has stood the test of time: more than 2000 years later we know Gamaliel is still correct. The undertakings of man will fail – but the Lord’s work cannot be overthrown.
We read in Acts how the early church was persecuted and members put to death. We know (as the apostles did) that life in the body is not our main aim – it is life in Christ. The Lord is sovereign over his church. His will is sovereign. What he allows to die and what he allows to continue is not in our human knowledge or understanding. We take comfort in this. We must remain faithful to his word: preaching Christ in season and out.
His will be done.
Your will, Lord, be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sal is married to Pastor Matthew Huckel and they live in Victoria with their six children. Music, theology, literature and languages are passions the family share and explore together. Sal loves writing, speaking and walking to the beach at every opportunity.
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