Commander Barro announces that he is raising the tribute required from the local communities.
When Prefect Nobah explains that they are already operating at a loss because of pirates and thieves, Barro coldly asks, “Are you saying that my protection is lacking?” Nobah is in mid-response when Barro shoots him dead.
Barro presents himself as a ruler providing protection, but his leadership is built on fear. He does not listen to legitimate concerns; instead, he demands obedience and punishes anyone who challenges him.
When Prefect Nobah dared to point out the reality of the situation, Barro did not want the truth—he wanted submission—so he murdered Nobah and warned the others to “focus on solutions, not excuses.”
The remaining prefects cower before Barro and dare not speak. Fear has accomplished exactly what Barro wanted: silence and obedience.
Unfortunately, some people picture God similarly—as an angry ruler waiting for someone to make a mistake so He can punish them.
Jonathan Edwards’ famous 1741 sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” has contributed to that image for some people, even though that was not the sermon’s point.
Scripture gives us a much fuller picture of God: “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
First Corinthians 13:4–8 says love is patient, kind, not arrogant or rude, and does not rejoice in wrongdoing. Second Peter 3:9 says God is patient, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
God’s love is most clearly seen in Jesus.
John 3:16–17 tells us that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son, not to condemn the world, but so the world might be saved through Him.
God is not Commander Barro.
God is holy and just, but He is also loving, patient, and merciful.
We should not mistake God’s patience for the absence of justice. Today is the day to receive the salvation He lovingly offers through Jesus Christ.
