February 18, 2023 — “Easy to Deal With”

“Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him. But when they had tied him up with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?” Acts 22:22-25

“Paul’s opportunity to reason with the hostile crowd wanting to kill him was over as soon as he said the word, “Gentile”! They had accused him of taking a Gentile into the Temple — which was untrue. His mention of the word was all they needed to come unhinged and revert to their previous efforts to try to kill him (Acts 21:35-36). The removal of the crowd’s coats likely indicated they were preparing to stone Paul. Paul had presided over the coats and execution of Stephen not far from this location years earlier.* How would Paul survive this furious mob who wanted him dead? God used Roman rule — Rome’s soldiers and her legal system — to get Paul to Rome and keep his ministry to Gentiles flourishing. The LORD is the God of the impossible who works in the lives of people who love him and are willing to do his will!” (heartlight website; What Jesus Did!)

How would others define you: “Easy to deal with”, or “Difficult to deal with?” You do not have to give your answer to me or to your spouse, or partner, etc. Perhaps you know yourself well enough that you already know the answer. No matter where you go, you will encounter people of both kinds. And, most likely, if you have the choice between two people to wait on you at the coffee shop, and one is easy to deal with the other is not easy to deal with, you most likely will pick the first person in which to give your order – because we all would rather deal with the person who is kind and considerate, rather than the one who is abrupt and cold.

Are you aware of how you come across to others? Do you know you are angry all the time, or negative, or cheery, or positive? Does it cross your mind that how you are feeling at the moment will come out in your responses and interactions with others?

Jesus did say “Blessed are the Meek” (the Greek word is “Praeis”). The “meek”, the powerless are those who find a balance between kindness and being a door mat. You see, being easy to deal with does not mean you are always a door mat. You can be kind, easy going, and considerate and still stand up for your rights as a person, and as a Christian.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, I do believe you are the G-d of the impossible. You are Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. Though I am sometimes weak give me the faith to endure. Amen.

Pastor Dave