Some musings…
I recently read through the book of Acts, and a couple things struck me a little more forcefully than they have in the past. Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples, after the resurrection of Christ. And what, go out and change the world? Transform society into recognizing Jesus Christ as the Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God? Think about it… I think my life is stressful, I’m not walking around trying to convince the world that God was born in human flesh, lived and walked among us, was crucified, died, and buried, and rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to live eternally with God the father. What would it have been like to be one of the first Christians? Discovering the love of Jesus for the first time? Spreading the word and essentially creating the religion we call Christianity?
The first disciples spread out, proclaiming the Good News. How radical is that? I believe in a 2000-year-old religion, they created this religion. The uproars created by Paul and the others would be so intense and met with such adversity if they were to happen now. And yet, still countless take up the cross and follow Jesus. Talk about faith.
Is it really that different though? Was Paul’s mission that much different then the mission before us today? Jesus’ commandment still stands. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). What is our excuse? The opposition is really not that much more intense now. Paul’s death was ordered, yet he did nothing worth death or imprisonment. And when charged, Paul replied “…But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets. I have a hope in God – a hope that they themselves also accept – that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people…” (Acts 24: 14-16). Our actions are all too often driven by fear. We forget, that with God there, with love there, fear is absent. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” (1 John 4:18).
How did they do it? How can I do it? “While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word” (Acts 10:44). God did it. Paul didn’t preach on his own, God was with him, and God is with me. We are required to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with the Lord. God will take care of the rest.
Another question I asked myself, how has Christianity changed since the time Paul and the first disciples walked the earth? As society and individuals change, does the faith change with us? The building blocks are the same. But are the practices? The relationship with God held in such high esteem in the Bible, “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) is still just as applicable today as it was then. Why then do I let life get in the way and cloud my focus on God?
A final thought, in Acts 26:8, Paul asks, “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that god raises the dead?” A remarkable question if you as me, of course it is incredible, it’s a miracle! But Paul’s faith is that great, “To this day I have had help from God…” (Acts 26:22). God is here, with me always. With Him all things are possible.
What are we waiting for?
“Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
