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Leaping and laughing and praising God

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Acts 4:18-20
The elders and scribes called back Peter and John and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John replied, "Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judge. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard."

The elders and scribes called back Peter and John and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John replied, "Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judge. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard."

Sometimes Jesus told those he healed not to speak about their encounter, but they always did. It was impossible to keep the Good News to themselves. There are times when I know that by using words to describe the indescribable I am degrading the experience, but when it's so good to be called indescribable, how can I not try to describe it?

A bit of a conundrum perhaps, but one thing I know. Words will always be with us. In the beginning was the Word, and we have all kinds of words to talk about it. And of course, words are the way we praise the Word. God spoke, and there was light. We speak in gratitude, and there is praise.

I love words. Maybe that's kind of clear. And I can imagine Peter and John's puzzlement at the elder's order not to speak. Not tell of their experience with the tongues of fire and the Holy Spirit, not retell their stories of being with Jesus? How can they not?

They breathe in God, and they breathe out praise. Their eyes sparkle, their feet are light and they laugh and laugh and laugh. No, they cannot hold back their words. Joy unspeakable? If they don't speak, people will ask, "Why are you so happy? What makes you so different? I want to be like you. Tell me how."

And then God wells up inside Peter and he says to the cripple, "Rise up and walk." Those words will not stay put. God is the creator, and Peter is just co-operating with Him.

It is a wonderful thing to catch this wave and ride it, laughing and jumping and leaping and saying whatever God gives you to say.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures, here below. Praise him above, you heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.



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