Today as we look at the daily lectionary, (which can be found here: http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/8/ ) I want to sort of continue the conversation from yesterday.
Yesterday's New Testament reading was from Acts 24 and today's is as well - a continuation of the story. The focus yesterday was how the Jews were making every effort to use the Roman authorities to silence Paul - and putting all of their faith in those earthly authorities. That was clearly contrasted by Paul and his reliance on God, which allowed him to boldly proclaim all that God has done and the truth of the gospel - even at great personal risk.
Today we see that while Paul is reliant on God - he is not some sort of 'whipping boy' easily rolling over and allowing himself to be pushed around. He never wavers from representing Jesus Christ, but at the same time he ably uses all of the opportunities he is presented with. Paul, as a Roman citizen knew the law and used that knowledge to assert his right to be heard before the emperor - as opposed to being handed over to the Jewish authorities, which would have certainly have lead to his death.
So what's the point. Simply (and scripturally) the point is to be as innocent as doves, but as wise as serpents. God has given us knowledge, gifts and abilities to be used to best of our abilities. We are supposed to use what we have, what we know and what we can do - to glorify God, to help others and to put ourselves in the best possible position to to do both of those things.
What has God given you? Are you really using it?
Showing posts with label Acts 24. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acts 24. Show all posts
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fight the power or don't rock the boat?
Some quick thoughts on today's daily lectionary passages (which can be found here: http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/7/ )
As I was reading the lectionary passages today, particularly the Acts 24 passage, I was struck by what was going on in the exchange in the chapter.
To quickly sum up, Paul is (surprise, surprise) in jail with the Roman authorities and they are trying to decide what to do with him and they are listening, first to his Jewish accusers and then to Paul himself.
What really stuck out to me was this paragraph of the Jewish accuser's representative:
"Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. 3We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude. 4But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
I am not sure what the PC word is for what is going on there, but the vernacular is, kissing butt. Sure, he is trying to get in on the Roman judge's good side, but it is pretty ridiculous. Contrast it to Paul and his straight forward and unapologetic style. Paul, and Steven and other early Christians - just like Jesus before them, never provoke the authorities without reason. But they in no way shy away from the truth of the Gospel. The Truth they are committed to sharing with all of their strength, mind, body and spirit - in other words their whole lives.
Jesus, Steven (the first Martyr of the Christian Church), Paul and others understood that the highest authority was not whoever had worldly authority, but God. And even if that meant putting themselves in mortal danger and saying things they knew would be deemed as offensive and/or incriminating they never backed down.
What the Jewish accuser does is tempting for all of us - to play to the 'authorities' of the moment. To say and/or do the things that will ingratiate us to those in positions of power or authority - or even just the 'taste makers' of our community or society.
The point is this - whatever situation you find yourself in, no matter who serious the circumstances, don't give into the temptation to bow down to any 'authority' but the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In every and all situation, with every part of your life testify to the power of God's Holy Spirit working in and through you. Sometimes that may mean 'fighting the power/s that be' or sticking out from the crowd, but I want to challenge all of us to live up to the example of Jesus, Steven, Paul and the early church who never backed down fro proclaiming the good news of the Gospel, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences.
Fight the power . . .
As I was reading the lectionary passages today, particularly the Acts 24 passage, I was struck by what was going on in the exchange in the chapter.
To quickly sum up, Paul is (surprise, surprise) in jail with the Roman authorities and they are trying to decide what to do with him and they are listening, first to his Jewish accusers and then to Paul himself.
What really stuck out to me was this paragraph of the Jewish accuser's representative:
"Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. 3We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude. 4But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
I am not sure what the PC word is for what is going on there, but the vernacular is, kissing butt. Sure, he is trying to get in on the Roman judge's good side, but it is pretty ridiculous. Contrast it to Paul and his straight forward and unapologetic style. Paul, and Steven and other early Christians - just like Jesus before them, never provoke the authorities without reason. But they in no way shy away from the truth of the Gospel. The Truth they are committed to sharing with all of their strength, mind, body and spirit - in other words their whole lives.
Jesus, Steven (the first Martyr of the Christian Church), Paul and others understood that the highest authority was not whoever had worldly authority, but God. And even if that meant putting themselves in mortal danger and saying things they knew would be deemed as offensive and/or incriminating they never backed down.
What the Jewish accuser does is tempting for all of us - to play to the 'authorities' of the moment. To say and/or do the things that will ingratiate us to those in positions of power or authority - or even just the 'taste makers' of our community or society.
The point is this - whatever situation you find yourself in, no matter who serious the circumstances, don't give into the temptation to bow down to any 'authority' but the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In every and all situation, with every part of your life testify to the power of God's Holy Spirit working in and through you. Sometimes that may mean 'fighting the power/s that be' or sticking out from the crowd, but I want to challenge all of us to live up to the example of Jesus, Steven, Paul and the early church who never backed down fro proclaiming the good news of the Gospel, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences.
Fight the power . . .
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