December 16, 2021 — “Read the Riot Act:” —  Luke 4:28-30 

“And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, He went His way.” 

Every language involves its own complex system of idioms, metaphors and other bits of figurative language that often perplexes non-native speakers. However, even some of the most well-educated individuals don’t always know how even the most familiar phrases popped into being. While not a comprehensive list by any definition, the following summaries explore some of the more popular English-language idioms. Be sure to click on the links for more detailed information. 

“Read the Riot Act:” The idea of an “Act” in this idiom references a legal proclamation that did, in fact, exist. Under King George I, the real “Riot Act” was passed in 1714. Read out loud in order to quell gatherings of subjects, the throne tried to keep in check those it considered potentially threatening. Once the reading of the “Act” concluded the “rioters” were given one hour to disperse before getting slapped with penalties such as  servitude and imprisonment. 

There were times in the Bible where riots broke out — that day at the Synagogue when Jesus told the audience they were unable to hear his words of Grace and Truth, and when the people were calling for the crucifixion of Jesus. I guess we have to agree that people have been people since the beginning of time. I imagine the scene at the building of the Golden Calf started with such a riot.  

I find that when I am at my most angry, I turn to the Word of G-d and prayer to calm my anger and soothe my nerves. The beginning of 2021 gave us the riot at the Capitol Building on January 6. On January 6 a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the United States Capitol in Washington DC sparking a raging debate that continues today as to whether this was a riot, or an expression of the right to protest. Jesus gives us a model for dealing with all kinds of feelings of anger and stress — for when he was on the cross, he turned to Psalm 22: “My God, My God, why…….” 

Let us pray,

Dear Lord, we have many reasons to feel angry these days – but we also know that you give us words of promise and eternal life. Help me to meditate on these words every day. Amen

Pastor Dave