ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 18, 2022
Tomorrow, I am continuing our look at the Book of Acts, but I’m leaping ahead just a bit to a story from Paul’s journey to Philippi. My preparation for the sermon has taken me back to my trip to Greece a few years ago, specifically the part of the trip to Thessaloniki and Philippi. According to the story in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were arrested and jailed. In the ancient ruins of Philippi, they have the jail in which they were supposedly held. I emphasize the word ‘supposedly’ because there is really no way of knowing for sure, but it would have happened somewhere in that ancient city in a building that probably looked a lot like the one marked with a sign in both Greek and English, “PRISON ST PAUL.” In a very short time, Paul had gone from baptizing Lydia and her entire household to being imprisoned for a conflict in the city square of Philippi. In my opinion, one of the great challenges of faith is feeling deeply connected to God through all of life’s experiences. It is usually much easier to claim God’s presence when you’re on a spiritual high, like the baptism of Lydia. While in times of trial, we often hear statements about the “absence” of God. Even scripture suggests God turns away from us, but is that reality or simply how we feel in the moment? Have you ever come out on the other side of a difficult period in your life and noticed something you hadn’t noticed before? In the midst of pain, grief, anger and heartache, our perception can be limited, keeping us from seeing the God who is eternally present. Grace is God understanding us and not feeling hurt by our lack of recognition. God is not petty that way, only joyful when we find peace and healing.
There is no place I can be taken or any location to which I can flee where you are not present. Magnificent God of the Universe, teach me how to be more aware and available. In your loving kindness, you show up, and it is worth it for me to name and claim your presence. Amen.
