“Stoked by jealousy”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Monday, September 5, 2022
Acts 13:44-52 (Forward, p. 38) CEV p. 1151
It is said that jealousy is a green-eyed monster, and certainly, in a non-literal, figurative sense, this is quite true. We see this played out in glowing colour in today’s account of Paul’s missionary work in the city of Antioch of Pisidia. On a previous Sabbath, his words had been received quite warmly, with the result that many Jewish people and a lot of Gentiles believed. In fact, such was the enthusiasm at this first meeting that they begged him to return the next Sabbath to say more about these things.
And so it was, that on the next Sabbath almost the entire city came to hear the message about God. However, this did not go down well with certain of the Jews. Inflamed with jealousy, they insulted Paul, tried to contract everything he said, and turned certain prominent men and respectable women who were quite religious against Paul—to the point that he had to leave town. Nevertheless, there were still some in that city that believed and who were quite happy that Paul and his associates had been there and had brought them the message of salvation. Indeed, they are described as being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Nevertheless, it was the jealousy of what was probably a handful, probably just a few ringleaders, that sabotaged and ended the mission there. It meant that not only did these ringleaders lose out, but probably a number of others as well—for instance the prominent men and women who’d been turned against Paul and the others.
But then, bringing this narrative into the present, we must ask whether the green-eyed monster of jealousy is ever with us, with you and I, today. Certainly, I would surmise that it is present with political parties and leaders when they see their rivals gaining in popularity. And I don’t think that it is absent from the marketplace or workplace either. But, then, what about the church? I am quite sure that it is present when we see other churches prospering and growing when our own church isn’t, or when someone in our own particular congregation gets the limelight and the credit, or is able to take a leadership role, and we don’t. I am quite sure that jealousy sometimes rears its ugly head here.
But, in reality, this should not be. Whereas in the political, business and industrial realms, there is the belief that if one person or entity gains in popularity or market share, someone else is destined to lose, this is never the case in the church. Our Lord is big enough, and has plans big enough, that every church and every individual can find a place, an essential role. There is no need for either competition or jealousy when it comes to the Lord’s work or the Lord’s service. The green-eyed monster of jealousy has no place. There is plenty enough work or service to go around.
No, what we need to do, instead of feeling slighted or lesser in some way, is simply seek the Lord and His will, find out what He is calling each of us to do, and then, actively trusting in Him, to robustly and confidently go ahead and do it. And whether it ‘seems’ to be as successful or productive as someone else’s, that is not our business, but the Lord’s. Our business is simply to be faithful to whatever He has called us to do. Amen.
Forward notes: “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers” (verse 48).
“As we grow in the knowledge of the love of Christ, may we be witnesses like Paul and Barnabas to the wonder and word of the Lord. What does that look like? In my life, I have tried to listen more carefully for the cry of the heart from a neighbour or colleague. I have asked God to show me the life that I am meant to live. My goal is for my whole life to become a ministry. I am not there yet—far from it—but I am striving to let love abound.
“One of the ways I do this is by introducing myself to people I meet who are wearing a name tag. I know their name, but they do not know mine. So I introduce myself and say, ‘I’m Lynne. It’s nice to meet you.’ I have done that in New York City and all over the country. I find that suddenly we are just human beings—not gas station attendant and customer or barista and patron.
“May knowledge and full insight be abundant for you today as you discern what you are being called to do in the name of love.”
Moving Forward: “How do you respond in the name of love?”