The Pattern

Acts 17:1-9  New English Translation

After they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Paul went to the Jews in the synagogue, as he customarily did, and on three Sabbath days he addressed them from the scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, saying, “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large group of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. But the Jews became jealous, and gathering together some worthless men from the rabble in the marketplace, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. They attacked Jason’s house, trying to find Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly. When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, screaming, “These people who have stirred up trouble throughout the world have come here too, and Jason has welcomed them as guests! They are all acting against Caesar’s decrees, saying there is another king named Jesus!” They caused confusion among the crowd and the city officials who heard these things. After the city officials had received bail from Jason and the others, they released them.

Reflection

     The memory match game is a classic. It can be easy for a smart little one, given plenty of time and only a few options. Or, it can be quite challenging for adults with several rows of tiles and a short amount of time to memorize where the matches are. I think part of its allure is that we pay attention to patterns and notice repeats. Our daily habits help us to mark the time or remember what day it is!

     The story of Jason in Acts encourages us to look deeper and notice the deceitful patterns, all the while proclaiming the Good News and doing what is right. Some may be falsely persuaded, but followers of Christ pay attention to the patterns of fakers, posers, wannabes and sneaky tricksters. We speak up and help each other out. We work for justice and the rights of the oppressed or falsely imprisoned.

Lord Christ, be with us when times seem troubling. Remind us of just who you are and whose we are. Guide us to love and care for others, friends and enemies alike. Only through your Name and by your Spirit will we be faithful and fruitful. Amen.