Ancient Words for Modern Times
Years ago there was a group of blasphemers and heretics who were stirring up all sorts of trouble among the religious of their day. They went against orthodox teaching. They had new ideas that they were widely communicating. They were engaged in some questionable practices and did not seem to obey all the rules that their parents’ generation had.
I am speaking of course about the disciples of Jesus. Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These guys went rogue in the eyes of the religious establishment and paid a dear price for doing so. Today we seem to find ourselves in the same place.
Many from the religious establishment are unhappy with others who they openly call blasphemers and heretics. Many religious leaders spend time writing blogs and books about this cast of characters. Many religious leaders refute their teachings and ideas from their pulpits on Sundays. Many religious leaders devote a lot of time countering this group of men and women who have new ideas, thoughts, and just don’t seem to obey all the rules of their parents’ generation.
I wonder then, if some ancient advice given in the wake of the Jesus’ disciples, would also be a good word for us today.
In Acts 5, Peter and the apostles stand in the Temple Courts and teach in Jesus’ name. This after they have been punished and given strict orders not to do this. Some in the religious leadership are furious and want them silenced. It seems they get themselves worked up into quite a bother. In the midst of the arguments and fury, one man speaks. His name is Gamaliel. His words are simple and profound.
He says, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5.33-39 TNIV).
Gamaliel does not seem concerned for the disciples and their teaching. If all of this was simply contained in the hearts of men, those peddling the message (and those foolish enough to follow) would self-destruct in time. He says this because even religious fads do not last.
Moreover, he was wise enough to know that the “hallowed tradition” so many of the religious wanted to protect was at one time a “new teaching” too. He also seemed to know that God was in the business of renewal, and God never utters the words in relation to his work in the hearts of people, “… because I have always done it this way.”
Gamaliel leaves room for God to do what God does. In this case his uncommon wisdom allows for him to be generous with several young men who followed a Galilean Rabbi who had been executed on a Roman cross – who they said rose from the dead.
Perhaps we should once again listen to the words of Gamaliel, as his contemporaries did long ago. For who knows how God will continue to work in our world? It just may be through an unlikely few, and I for one would not want to stand in the way of what God is doing. And if it is really not from him ... it will go away in its good time.