Scripture verses that caught my attention today: Acts 9:23-25 After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.
Observation: Violence again found even among the religious.
Application: I find it interesting that, so often when we find ourselves in disagreement with someone, our natural inclination is toward separation—perhaps even permanently so. The verses above give but one of many Scriptural examples of such plans for deadly violence. And although we like to think of ourselves as beyond such things and part of the ‘civilized’ world, I’m not sure we’re all that much better at dealing with conflict. Today’s headline mentions “1 killed, 600 wounded” in a clash of perspectives in Cairo, Egypt where recent days of mass demonstrations have called for the removal of the country’s current leader. Some churches have conflicts that are almost as bad.
In our congregation we have a core value of “Community” which for us includes: Acceptance, Flexibility, Trust, Respect, Communication, Diversity, and Forgiveness. To value a community means to value all that the community includes, even if it’s not always one’s particular cup of tea. Our synod (the association of churches in our denomination in Northwestern Ohio) has a similar value which states: “We best embody Christ when we work together.” I suppose that’s what happened when the disciples worked together to protect Paul. I just wish the concept had wider appeal.
Prayer: Lord, amongst our many differences in this world, please help us, in faithfulness toward you, to demonstrate the extent to which you value the communities of which we are a part. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Exodus 33-34, Psalm 16, and Acts 9)
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