Modern Day Prophets - August 25
Today’s Readings - Psalm 1, 2, 3; 1 Kings 1:5-31; Acts 26:1-23; Mark 13:14-27
There’s a line from the Epistle that was chosen for today that struck me as I was considering today’s readings, “. . . get up and stand on your feet . . .” Jesus told Saul on the road to Damascus to stand up because he had work for him to do. It reminds me of a song from the ‘70s written by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, “Get Up, Stand Up.” They were inspired to write the song while touring in Haiti after witnessing the extreme poverty of the Haitian people.This song in particular speaks to Marley and Tosh’s experiences of growing up in Jamaica where they fought for their religious freedom. During the seventies the Rastafarian religion was being attacked, and so they employed their music to bring awareness to the oppression and the religious freedom and equality they were denied.
The irony isn’t lost that of all the people Jesus could have chosen for God’s work Saul was the least likely candidate. Saul was the worst of the bad guys. He not only persecuted the followers of Jesus but in many cases executed them for their beliefs in Jesus as the Messiah. Truth is however, he was perfect for the job. If there’s ever been someone who could model what a life lived in the glow of God’s grace of forgiveness is it was Paul.
I wonder if we listen to those words Jesus spoke to him as distant observers, or do we hear those words as if spoken to us? Jesus speaks to each of us when he says, “Stand up.” Stand up for what you believe in, stand up for those who have no voice, share the light of forgiveness for those who can’t imagine that they could ever be forgiven. If you feel unprepared, unworthy, can you imagine what Saul must have felt?!
Marley and Tosh knew what it was like to suffer for their religion, to advocate for freedom from oppression. These Rastafarian soulmates were unlikely modern-day prophets who stood up for what they believed in. Did they increase awareness? Did they inspire others? They probably did, however, Rastafarians still face persecution and discrimination related to their spiritual practices. There is so much more work to be done. There are pockets all over the world, including the United States where people cannot practice their faith freely without fear of persecution and so many who yearn to hear the words, “you are forgiven, come take your place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
The light that comes from the Good News is the simple truth that we are all offered the same forgiveness and grace from God; however, it doesn’t come without cost. Saul, or who we know as Paul, suffered for his beliefs as do people still. I know I find it hard at times to speak my truth to the powers that I encounter. Yet Jesus continues to say, “Stand up, find your voice.” In whatever way you feel empowered, speak up, share the light of Christ and tell the story of freedom from the power of sin, the power of the risen Messiah. Believe it or not, you too can be a modern-day prophet.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Reflection and Challenge - When was the last time you felt afraid to speak up? What would it take to find the courage to “Stand up,” to speak up for those who cannot or will not? To share the good news? Ask God for the courage to do that which we are given to do.