Supposed To Be Dead

Acts 14:19-28

For a guy who was supposed to be deceased Paul sure did get around. “But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the city. The next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe” (Acts 14:19-20). Left for dead by an angry mob on one day, the apostle was on the road the next headed to another town.

But what if Paul had died? Paul was an important part of the early church, of its efforts at evangelizing the world. Would Paul’s death have ended the story? For me the answer comes in the fact that, as he lay on the ground outside the city, Paul was surrounded by disciples. The symbolism of this act is significant. In times of need the community of faith has worked best when it has pulled together and trusted the Holy Spirit to lead on. This time Paul got up but if he hadn’t someone else would have risen to the occasion, someone else would have felt the hand of God leading him or her to do Paul’s work. Look at the times when God has provided or leaders and prophets and apostles to do works of faith. Moses was a runaway sent home to lead his people. Amos was a farmer pressed into service as a prophet. David was a lad who defeated a giant and later became a king. Simon, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen who became disciples. Levi left his tax booth for the same reason. Paul himself had been a dangerous enemy of the faith but was called to take his place in the service of Jesus Christ. Would someone have stepped forward had Paul died that day? Absolutely.

For these reasons and more we should never despair, should never give up hope that God is at work in our world. The landscape of faith may change from generation to generation, death will claim leaders of the church, but as long as God remains at work there will be saints given the opportunity to serve in new ways. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: God of all time and space, we thank you for your gift of leadership that has allowed the community of faith to move ahead, even in its darkest hours. May we find our roles to play as we live our lives dedicated to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.