18 May 2013 - chain of command

18 May 2013 - chain of command

He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance
and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is impressive is his ability to keep his focus on what matters in spite of his circumstances.  Part of his secret is that he doesn't regard religion as something merely subjective.  For him it isn't just like trying to get someone else to enjoy a movie he enjoys.  He knows that the meaning of the Good News is something historical and concrete.

This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains.” 

If it had been merely subjective hope it would be quickly overwhelmed by other subjective experiences.  Suffering in prison would be difficult to resist on the basis of the memory of a feeling.  But Paul knows that history has been forever changed.  He knows that all peoples of the world stand to gain or lose hugely by this change.  And it is for this reason that he has such assurance when he proclaims the Kingdom of God.

We often begrudge others their subjective experiences.  We are jealous of people who simply see miraculous things.  We envy the zeal of those who have it more easily than ourselves.  Jesus warns us against comparisons.

Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours? 

What we share in common with all his followers is much more important.

and we know that his testimony is true.

It is this testimony that transforms and gives life.  It is not mere feelings which may come and go.  It is something even more real than a feeling, not less!  It is the revelation of just who God is and the promise that we can come to an even greater knowledge of him.

For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.

As Pentecost draws near let us seek his face.  He wants to empower us to change the world with concrete and verifiable power from on high.  Let us lay aside our comparisons and feelings and instead:

You follow me.”

Sanctus Real - The Face of Love