An attribute of great literature is the transformation of the characters as the story progresses. Harry Potter went from living under the stairs to saving the world; Frodo Baggins from naïve boy to hardened soul; Beatrice Prior, the plain girl from Abnegation to Tris the Dauntless heroin that sacrifices her life. Each of these stories draw readers (in part) because their characters grow and mature in a manner that invites us to join them. The Bible is no different.
Sometime we imagine that the disciples were miraculously transformed at the moment of Pentecost: going from whiny and scared to bold and selfless with a single breathe from God. That might not be the case. In Acts, Peter’s first sermon as an Apostle is addressed to the “Men of Israel…” (Acts 2:22). His discourse focuses on that audience and so does his ministry. In fact, we learn that Peter’s emphasis on the Jews gives rise to the first major conflict within the early Church (see Galatians 2:11-14). God, however, intervenes. In Acts 10, Peter has a vision that challenges his assumptions of what is and is not clean in God’s eyes. The result is his proclamation, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him…” (Acts 10:34-35). Peter assumptions were totally transformed.
Too often we imagine that we have the world figured out and that we know right from wrong, good from evil. We blissfully go through life proclaiming what we believe, only to have God role in and turn everything upside-down in a single stroke. As people of the Way, we can be confident in God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s presence. Outside of that…proceed with caution.
One of the best posts I’ve read so far, Duane! This really begs to consider the struggle between good and evil. In the video clip, the police seemed to know which guy to arrest, apparently because the guy in suit and tie was dealing drugs, or carrying lethal substances used for explosive devices meant to kill innocent people. Either way, the police had to have information we didn’t while watching the video. The police certainly considered the difference between good and evil, as they live with duality on a daily basis. I’m hoping we can grapple with this topic more! Thanks for posting!