What's Up With That?
Reading and Commenting Through the Book of Acts
Read Acts 12:6-19
A friend of mine recently asked me two questions. The first one was: "As a pastor, what have you learned most about people?" That's a tough question, but here's my answer:
"In our current state, people have little understanding of WHY they exist and WHAT real consequences are attached to how we treat others. I believe the most important discovery in our lives is to know God and how we fit into his story. I believe people sin against God by how they mistreat other people - the misuse and corruption of power. The consequences erode confidence in God and causes generational dysfunction beyond the immediate victim. In other words, sin is not contained in one event. It reproduces as it fights back from the darkness of the grave."
The second question was like the first. "What have you learned most about God?"
"From an experiential point of view, God is predictably unpredictable. Why God answers YES to this and NO to that may always be a mystery while stuck in these bodies. However, it is clear to me that our Creator is active and purposeful in our lives. In other words, my strongest convictions are founded on the belief that God will ultimately accomplish what he wills. Therefore, I am left with two choices: to strike against him because I do not like his ways OR trust that his ways have eternal ramifications that are the perfect antidotes for my human shortsightedness and stupidity."
For example, after King Herod put James to death, he proceeded to have Peter arrested. James is dead. What good is that? Peter is arrested. What good is that? To make matters more confusing, God does not rescue James but he does send an angel to bust Peter out of prison. What's up with that?
We see both of my answers to my friend's questions in this text. Herod is using his power for his own purposes - nothing new here.
God is unpredictable in the daily affairs of his people.
One person he allows to be executed and the other he rescues - nothing new here.
Now we must get to the point. You and I cannot stay neutral. No decision is a decision. We must either give up and stop praying - talking to God. Or we believe He is on top of things even though at times it doesn't FEEL that way and continue to pursue him. It's your choice and I hope you will follow Jesus - authentic Christianity includes suffering. And sometimes even from your own people!
Reflection Questions:
Have you stopped praying because of doubt?
If you have, what does that reveal about the purpose of your prayers?
Is the purpose of prayer to get what we want or to grow in a relationship with God?
