More of the Story: Giving in to Grace

So (the chief priests and elders) called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.
After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ~ Acts 4:18-23

Grace has been out of hand for more than 2000 years now. We best get used to it. ~ Rachel Held Evans

For the leaders of the temple things had gotten out of hand. The people were on board with these Jesus followers.
They could see it happening. They didn't know how to stop it.
They gave in - at least for now - and let the prisoners free.
Leaders of congregations - in faiths of all kinds - have occasionally been flummoxed by grace ever since then.
We have our seminary degrees and our letters of call. We have our installation as council members or Stephen ministers. We've been told we are theologically sound and ready to lead.
But then sometimes something happens. Something gets out of control.
Grace surprises us.
It isn't surprising that the leaders of the temple were fearful. They still had Rome breathing down their necks.
They had seen the glimpse of God's grace and it didn't fit in their God box.
And sometimes we have things breathing down our necks as well. Tradition maybe, or dogma or political division in our congregations.
But all the training in the world won't stop God's grace from doing whatever it wants.
For freeing whomever it wants.
For welcoming whomever it wants.
As leaders - or followers - whether we are ordained, consecrated, called, or lay, sometimes we just have to get out of the way and see where that grace takes us.

Prayer: May your grace abound O God! Amen




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