RUNNING INTO TROUBLE

READ: ACTS 4:1—41

But Peter and the Apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (V. 29)

Growing up I was cautioned by my parents, and other responsible adults, to avoid certain behaviors or situations lest I run into trouble.  It saved me from doing things I would come to regret on more than one occasion.  However, at the age of 25, I elected to pursue a career in law enforcement that required me to purposely run into trouble.  I freely joined a legion of men and women whose first obligation to duty was to run directly toward trouble without hesitation or regard for personal safety or wellbeing. Learning to avoid trouble to prevent undesired results in your life is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from what is required for law enforcement service.  Being a first responder requires a mindset change where you are trained to plunge head long into trouble to protect the lives of your fellow man no matter their standing or life situation.  The oath of your office becomes ingrained upon the inner depths of your character when you accept your duties with the closing words, “So help me God!”  When your day, tour of duty or career ends, you seek not recognition, only the knowledge that you have done your best to serve your country, state or community—for you were willing to run into trouble!

The Apostles of the early church willingly and repeatedly ran into trouble.  Persecution, jail, beatings and death were the consequences they faced every day when they set forth to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.  Time and again, their complete devotion to God and the strength of their faith was evident.  In today’s reading from Acts, Peter and the other apostles are freed from jail by an angel of the Lord.  Rather than flee, they went directly back into the Temple to begin preaching about Jesus without hesitation or compromise.  This gained them more jail time, a good flogging and escaping death by the skin of their teeth.  Led by the Holy Spirit, and committed to their purpose, they relentlessly pushed forward in the face of a tidal wave of future challenges.  It was only by actively engaging the opposition head on that they would prevail in their mission of advancing the saving mercy, grace and love of Christ in the world!

PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER

Just like first responders and soldiers, there are times in our lives that we must take the risk and run into trouble to protect family, friends and even strangers.  We are also called to advance the Gospel in the face of opposition and resistance be it by others, or through our own fears and doubts.

Dear Jesus, help me erase all my fears and doubts and stand for you.

You’re Brother in Christ,

Fred Ailes