The Child of God

Acts 21:37-40, 22:22-29

“21:37 Just as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” The tribune replied, “Do you know Greek? 38 Then you are not the Egyptian who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city; I beg you, let me speak to the people.” 40 When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language…22:22 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.” 23 And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, 24 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. 25 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?” 26 When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The tribune came and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship.” Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” 29 Immediately those who were about to examine him drew back from him; and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.”

I once performed the funeral for a man who was a member of our congregation.  I had spoken to him many times and had eaten meals with him.  But, while preparing my remarks for his eulogy, I discovered that he had had a passion for ballroom dancing, and  not only was he a good dancer, he had won or placed in many ballroom dancing contests. 

 I was surprised, maybe even flabbergasted.  I had never pictured him in that light.  My view and impression of him was forever changed.  Instead of the quiet, soft spoken, self-deprecating man I once thought I knew, I discovered that he was some version of Fred Astaire that I had never known..

The Roman commander thought Paul was an Egyptian revolutionary, only to discover that he was Jewish, understood Greek, and was a Roman citizen by birth.  All of these things caused those who were questioning Paul to draw back from him in fear and take a breath.

We never know who we are talking to or the life experiences they have brought with them into the conversation.  But one thing we can be sure of is that everyone is a child of God, worthy of God’s love.

All Christians are called to start a conversation with that fact foremost in our minds.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)