Closed Doors!

 ACTS IN 90 DAYS

A reading for Thursday, September 3, 2020: Acts 21:27-36.

"Then all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut."

To be honest, when I read these words about Paul and the mob, it makes me sad. Perhaps it's due to the times we are living through with protests and BLM, political turmoil and divisiveness. 

Two things:

First, it's clear when reading this history that hard heads, anger and even violence are not new. God has been able to work with and even through such things to bring good news.

Second, we never know what the Spirit of God might be up to and should stay hopeful about the future even when things seem out of control.

Finally, I wonder if "immediately the doors were shut" isn't a not so subtle reference to the mindset of those trying to kill Paul in addition to just a word about the physical temple being closed. When we stop listening to one another and feel as if we have the right to silence those that disagree with us, then we have closed the possibility of something new happening.

Even then, however, God can do wonders we don't expect. Stay hopeful... Thanks be to God!