Observation: In Antioch (modern day Turkey) Paul tells the story of Jesus before a hostile audience: Sergius Paulus, a Roman Proconsul, described as "an intelligent man" but not necessarily sympathetic. And with them is Elymas, whom the text calls "a magician" (probably a pagan fortune teller of some kind), who is trying to convince the Proconsul of the dangers of Christianity. Paul talks about how the residents of Jerusalem rejected Jesus, this fulfilling their own prophecies which they read at weekly services, because they did not understand that they refer to Jesus.
Application: This text is one of many in the New Testament that needs unpacking, because it has been misused to support Anti Jewish and Anti Semitic readings of scripture.
Firstly, and ALWAYS, remember that Jesus of Nazareth, all twelve original apostles, and Paul himself who makes this speech, lived and died as Jews. They regarded their own message as a faithful way of being Jewish, and not once did they ask their fellow Jews to be anything other than Jewish.
Secondly, remember that what we say to (and about) our own family, even though we may regret it later, sounds much, much different coming from the mouth of an outsider. Think of the snarkiest, most sarcastic thing you've ever said about a sibling, and then imagine how you'd feel if a stranger tweeted those exact words about them for the world to see. Brutal, huh? Well that, I believe, is how Jesus feels when Christians take his words about, say, the Pharisees and chief priests, and apply them to present day Jews with whom they have no relationship. Same thing with Paul's words about his own detractors. Mind you, a lot of his words are problematic even within his first century Jewish family. But outside the family, they're toxic.
Thirdly, for Christ's sake (I mean this literally) we NEED to take into account the last two thousand years of history and how these words have been used by people in power to marginalize and do violence to Jews. In light of that, our "life application" for a text like this is simple, but not easy. First, repent, and second, work to make it better.
Our confirmation class will be attending a synagogue service in Traverse City next Friday. I am grateful that the rabbi and lay leaders are willing to welcome us into their sacred space, and I am praying that our kids will represent us well, and learn something. If the only take away is that this is a context of prayer in which their Lord would be 100% at home, my job is done.
Prayer: Lord have mercy. For the damage we have done to your family, for the damage we still do, and for the possibility of reconciliation and healing, have mercy and grant us peace. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment