The lessons in the Daily Lectionary are not intentionally linked. They run progressively through the various parts of scripture. Today, there was an interesting interplay between the Epistle reading and the Gospel text.
In Acts 14:1-18, Paul and Barnabus are thought to be gods. The people of the city assign to them the names of Zeus and Hermes. Priests from the temples of these gods come, prepared to sacrifice oxen. Paul insists they cease. “We also are me, of like nature with you.”
In John 10:31-42 there is an attempt to stone Jesus. The charge – “blasphemy, because you (Jesus), being a man, make yourself God.”
Now, there is the quick and easy difference: in Lystra the gods being spoken of are the gods of another religious tradition. In Jesus’ case, we are talking about the God of Israel. But there is something different which struck me.
We often wish to elevate those whom we choose, making “gods” of them; while the one who is set aside by God we often despise and reject.
I enjoy college football. But during these months of the fall, it sometimes seems as if our adoration of those who stand out on the field goes a bit too far. It was even more of a temptation last year, with CJ Spiller doing such amazing things.
But how have we responded to the messengers who designed this day as an International Day of Prayer for Peace? Have you signed the Million Minutes for Peace pledge? Have you to a turn among those who will devote thirty minutes to prayer?
We make gods of those who say and do what it is that pleases the crowds and wows the audience. Those who bring the Words of God are all too often treated differently. The next time you are in a conversation in which admiration is being expressed for someone, be prepared to alter the conversation by mentioning a person whom you admire. The assumption being that this person would stand out because of their devotion to Christ.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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