Thursday 8 November, 2012

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” 21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what this might lead to. 25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

Jealousy – the high priest, his officials, who were Sadducees were filled with jealousy.  What a powerful emotion.  How it determines actions.  Here were men who were leaders in the community, men of good character and standing.  Men who brought life to their community, yet when faced with the order of things being challenged they respond with jealousy.

How do I respond when things threaten me?  Am I prepared to cost of cipro accept change?  Do I respond with faith, fear, wisdom or jealousy?  Not all change is for the better, how do I discern?

One thing I must guard against is holding on to things and becoming jealous when someone better suited, more gifted… comes and shakes things up.

Father, help me not to become jealous.  Help me to see the signs of jealousy.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta