Day 158
1 Kings 2:1-3:3; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25
Strong and Courageous, or Fearful and Foolhardy?
David told Solomon to “be strong and courageous”; instead, Solomon is fearful, and consolidates his power by killing all of his perceived enemies, including his own brother.
On the other hand, the apostles ARE strong and courageous, teaching and healing publicly after the example of the Lord, even daring to say to the face of the Jewish religious leaders, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
The people of Jerusalem are on the fence; they believe the apostles’ teaching about Jesus, but are not willing to go public with their conversion – another case of fearfulness.
The sin of Ananias and Sapphira is not failing to give all the proceeds of their land sale to the apostles; it was claiming that they had, wanting to appear more generous than they were.
Today’s proverb, perhaps given by Solomon himself: “Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death.” The problem, of course, is that we often learn the truth only in hindsight. Were we right to move forward in bold action, or should we have stayed with the tradition? On the other hand, were we right to resist an action, or was that simply a refusal to accept change?
The key is to trust. The great rabbi Gamaliel advised the Sanhedrin to trust God to bring success or failure to the apostles’ work. Can we “be strong and courageous,” trusting the Holy Spirit with both our actions and our restraint?
The Rev. Dr. Steve Clifton