Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 8, 2022
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Heroes, heroes everywhere
Paul and Barnabas spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
But the Jews were jealous when everyone in the city turned out to listen to these preachers for Jesus. They tried to shout down Paul, but Paul spoke up and spoke out, and breathed a little fire.
We spoke the word of God to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
And guess what?
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord.
Last night Andi and Aki went to the Austin Classical School staff party. Miles and Jasper had their pajamas on and teeth brushed when we got to their house. Miles was filling his fireman’s backpack with every toy scattered on the floor. Jasper careened back and forth between Margaret and I, hugging our legs, kissing my knee, then kissing our lips. He laughed and laughed. He was so happy.
Miles carried his pack upstairs. We settled into their bedroom for stories and prayers. It’s only the third night for them to sleep in the same room. Miles is on the top bunk, and Jasper is on the bottom.
Their desire for attention, even from each other, made it difficult for them to sleep. After stories we separated them for a bit, but not long enough. Miles wanted the hall light on, and Jasper wanted it off. Jasper sometimes sounded like a coyote, and Miles made noises from outer space. Margaret took Jasper out again.
Who was the Jew, and who was the Gentile? With these guys though, there was no animosity, just Enthusiasm! We read the story of Joshua and the Walls of Jericho. Miles said, “Don’t let Grandma see the picture; it’s too scary.”
When Margaret and Jasper left, Miles and I made up chapter 134 of our family saga. Strange unnamed creatures captured the family and were making cookies out of them. Desperate to avoid being eaten they fought their way to the front door and hid in the trees. Aki, Andi, Miles and Jasper whispered to each other. “We have to wait till morning, when these strange unnamed creatures go to sleep.”
They shook the dust from their feet in protest, and went to Iconium.
The family lounged uncomfortably in the branches until dawn. Just before sunrise they ran off to the east, and checked each other out. They felt so happy that no parts of them were gone. They had not been eaten! They had could live to tell another chapter.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Know that the Lord is God, he made us and we are his. His kindness endures forever and his faithfulness, to all generations.
We sang three stanzas of the Paw Patrol anthem, I walked out the door, and eventually I heard only silence.
I’m looking forward to getting past Jericho and into Revelation, no longer escaping from the bad guys but now jumping in the Salvation River with the good guys and the angels.
They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress. Now the one who sits on the throne will shelter them, and they will not hunger or thirst anymore.
In the silence of Andi’s house, both boys asleep and beginning to dream, all I can hear is the sound of celery. It’s a comforting crunchy sound. I remember our prayers with Miles and Jasper and think of Jesus’ prayer for me. For us all.
My sheep, hear my voice. I know you, and you follow me. I give you eternal life, and you shall never perish. No one will take you out of my hand.
(Acts 13, Psalm 100, Revelation 7, John 10)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
#
