History = His Story

Those guilty of a crime often plead not guilty hoping for a lenient judge or jury and a good lawyer. Occasionally, the plea fits the truth. Last spring, a semi-trailer sped through a stop sign and hit a bus filled with players and support staff of a hockey team. Many of them died in the crash. Others were badly injured. Grief gripped even those who didn’t know any of them personally. The truck driver was not injured.

Last week, his plea was entered. He decided the families had suffered enough without going through the grief of a trial. He pleaded guilty to all charges and awaits sentencing. From what he said, this did not seem like a hope for leniency. It was more like he knew he could not fix what happened but he did not want to make it any worse.

The sadness I’ve felt about this terrible incident has not diminished, but a measure of respect rises for the man who should have been paying attention to the road signs. He did the worst possible and now wants to do the best possible. He illustrates a quality that more of us should have.

In the New Testament, the last of the Herod dynasty was Herod Agrippa II (A.D. 50–100). He appears at with the trial of Paul before Festus in Caesarea. Paul was accused by the Jews and appealed to his right as a Roman citizen to be heard by Caesar. Festus heard what he had to say, then called Agrippa and told him:

“But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.” (Acts 25:21–22)

This Herod was not a believer in Jesus Christ but he had more integrity as a leader than his father and grandfather, at least in this case. He was willing to listen to Paul and determine for himself whether the man was guilty or not. Because of his willingness to listen, Paul was able to tell this king the story of his conversion. This reveals a quality that more Christians should have — I wonder if I have Paul’s kind of courage?

Then Agrippa and Festus discussed the matter.

And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:31–32)

Agrippa upheld the prisoner’s wishes and sent him on to Rome. Paul “lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:30–31)

Through the actions of all three Herods, the plan of God advanced; the cruelty of Herod the Great, the ambivalence of his son, and the decisions of this grandson. Again, this gives me great comfort as it shows the sovereignty of the Lord as history unfolds. Even when human decisions are negative. God is able to work them for His purposes and give voice to the Gospel in unexpected places.

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Lord Jesus, You are still involved in current events. At times I can see Your grace in the actions of your people, but even when I cannot, Your Word is assurance that You are not oblivious to what is going on and certainly not standing aloof. Your purposes may not be completely clear to me, but Your power and goodness is clear and I can rest in the glory of who You are and what You can do. Grant me the courage to speak up whenever You give the opportunities!