Afraid of a Shaddow

                Over the weekend I tried twice to bless strangers and found both times that my attempt at kindness was met with suspicion rather than grace or gratitude. In general our society is very slow to trust and I cannot consider myself exempt from this flaw. For example, one night this past week I found myself alone at the store after dark. This almost never happens now that I have a child with an early bed time; as a result, I was a bit uneasy as I wondered through the store. When I came out of the store and strolled across the parking lot to my car, I was convinced every person I saw was waiting for the chance to lunge at me and steal my wallet and groceries. When I finally made it safely to my car, I saw a family with young children loading up their groceries into their van. I will never understand how people can keep their children out so late! Those poor kids must be exhausted! I thought to myself. When I finally got behind the wheel and turned on my car I was humbled to see the clock on the dashboard read 7:05pm.

                Recently my husband and I have begun to read Hebrews which starts by attempting to drive out any lingering issues of disbelief in Jesus among the Jews. The first chapter addresses the issue of Jesus having the authority to forgive sins because he shares authority with God. The second chapter addresses Jesus’ humanity. The third chapter in Hebrews warns us believers not to give into the rebellion that is within our hearts. Verses 7-8 says, “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, i

f you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…” This must have seemed strange to a Jewish reader because following Christ was seen as rebellion against the Jewish religious leaders at that time. The author of Hebrews is therefore making a very clear distinction between rebelling against man and traditions and rebelling against God.

                Am I then willing to rebel against traditions of man in order to follow God’s commands? God has told us to love others, but how does my suspicion of others (that is very socially acceptable and often ill placed) put up barriers in sharing God’s love? Is my lack of trust in other people from the Lord or is it something that I have adopted from other people? Is my suspicious nature something that I need to rebel against at times in order to follow God’s commands?

                Lord, please give me wisdom in approaching other people with Your love. Help me to be more trusting of others and also keep me away from dangerous circumstances. Help me to follow Your lead in spreading Your word. Amen.