Communication 2.0
How does God speak to us? And how do we hear? Ron’s teaching prompted this discussion in the “post-service” Noon Zoom, and I found folks’ answers intriguing and encouraging. Rarely, very rarely, do we get the blinding light or audible voice calling our name. Jesus’ intervention with Saul when he was on the road to arrest believers of the Way was unusual. Extreme circumstances called for extreme measures.
During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” Acts 9:3-4 (CEB)
Jesus did not continue to communicate with Saul primarily through voices from heaven. Rather, Saul’s healing and next directions came through the community of believers. Like us, Saul needed Jesus’ fellow followers to accept him, heal him, guide him, surround him, protect him. But sometimes the process of incorporating people into community is difficult, threatening our sense of safety, the status quo, or what we think we know.
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t believe he was really a disciple. Then Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and told them the story about how Saul saw the Lord on the way and that the Lord had spoken to Saul. Acts 9:26-27a (CEB)
Stories matter. Sometimes we need help telling our story. We need an introduction, someone to connect us and help us find our common faith. Barnabas did that for Saul. As you look back at your story, do you recognize people who helped you connect with a community of faith? Have you been able to be that person for someone else, introducing them to family?
I appreciated Ron’s insight that sometimes the word that God has for us is given to other people, not directly to us. God’s design is for us to be in community, listening to each other’s stories of God’s work and words in our lives. Two years ago, I never imagined that this process could happen on screens, that we would all be in separate locations, sharing how we hear God individually and collectively. I am always a bit surprised when I see the Holy Spirit working through this medium.
Last night, the Leadership Team met on Zoom again. And again, I experienced God speaking, loving, moving through our community. Testimonies of direction through prayer. Encouragement. I also heard that we are going to stay online-only a little longer, which resonates as “right” and relief- despite our sadness, impatience, and frustration.
The trees outside my window are bare and cold. I imagine that they, too, long for the joy of spring. They wait, we wait. God still speaks through the trees, the birds, the sun, the seasons. Some birds go south for the winter, others remain in our yards through the cold. So much diversity, beauty of different types and songs. What works for one does not work well for another. Can we enjoy what different gifts this season has to offer, even as we long for the next stage?
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. God strengthened the church, and its life was marked by reverence for the Lord. Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the church continued to grow in numbers. Acts 9:31 (CEB)
We look forward to periods of peace. May God strengthen us, and our lives be marked by a reverence for the Lord. May we be encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and may we grow in the ministry of God’s good news.
-Renée