We are called to patience

12Aug
When they had brought [Jesus’ disciples], they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’
When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, ‘Fellow-Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’ 

 -Acts 5:27-39


I occasionally find myself frustrated over how best to grapple with those whose thoughts and practices contrast sharply with my own. I find this especially so when confronted with political and religious challenges in our modern world. Ironically, the more we have supposedly evolved as a people, the more literally I see folks viewing the Bible (both from extremely conservative Christians and from non-believers) and political statements by professional politicians. It could easily appear that we are becoming less tolerant of anyone or any group without a flawless moral record. We judge the past by how we think today; we judge the world by our own culture or tribe. But tolerance can become an excuse for inaction, and ignoring confrontation can easily lead to ignorance of the plight of others.


In the passage above, Jesus’ followers were arrested for speaking of things that offended the authorities; some leaders even wanted them killed. Thank God for the wisdom of one Pharisee named Gamaliel. He reminded the angry gathering that this was not the first time they had met with opposition. When they had been faced with poor ideas before, those ideas did not live beyond their opponents’ lifetimes. Referring to Jesus’ followers, Gamaliel said, “keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”


I am called to patience when listening to others, questioning rather than condemning. We are asked to trust that the truth will prevail, and the good will inevitably emerge. This confidence is tough to cling to in a culture of distorted truths, AI-generated virtual realities, reactionary and fear-based politics, and cancel culture. All the more reason for the faithful to trust that God’s love will rise above all of the antics of our times. We may be temporarily distracted and confused by the “shiny objects” of our world, but there is a far more enduring reality that waits for us to return to our senses. This reality calls us to welcome, to love, to heal, and to forgive. May God’s patience spill over into my heart and yours, readying us for the work ahead.


Musical Reflection - You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes


O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Patience

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