The message I heard today was about going against the grain. Being counter cultural as we wait & watch for what God is doing, rather than being led by the voices or expectations of others.
In our continuing early church history we see the wise counsel from Gamaliel (sometimes called the Gamaliel principle). It’s often wise to wait & see what will flourish rather than seeking to judge or control prematurely. But also I noticed the attitude of the apostles. Despite the apparent reprieve, they still suffered flogging & another threat from the council. However, they managed to respond with an attitude of being glad they had the honour of suffering for Christ & continuing to preach openly. Led by their conviction not circumstance & very counter cultural.
Our song from Psalms also we hear encouragement to trust God and not fear opposition & threats. To instead focus on God & His presence. To be counter cultural by celebrating in God even during hardship & persecution. Plus, that wonderful closing verse: “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Like Gamaliel knew. The power of waiting not reacting nor rushing to judgement.
Then in today’s gospel, the famous miracle of the feeding of the five thousand (with 12 baskets representing complete provision for people of God too). Given the previous passages, I reflected on how Jesus here role models being counter cultural. No panic in the face of lack of food. Waiting to discover the small amount of food which He could offer to the Father & see increased. Then even at the end, resisting the adulation that wanted to make Him king. Rather, going away to a remote mountainside alone to wait on God. He knew it was not time to rush things to become king – rather wait for the Father’s plan of finally Him becoming King of the Universe reigning from heaven.
ACTION: Today, spot an opportunity to wait & to suspend judgement. Wait on the Lord. Wait to see what God will do & whether something will flourish or not. Resist the temptation to control or to force anything. Just wait.
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