Make Room for Others

Scripture

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you  (John 16:7, NIVUK)
“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer – ….  a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate …., where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ….  Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” (Acts 3:1-6 NIVUK) 

 Make Room for Others

We all know a person who has to be the smartest person in the room. They may be smart, but not self-aware enough to know that their desire to dominate and control is ultimately destructive no matter how good their ideas. I know I have had that tendency at times and I’ve needed help to discover that enabling the voices of others is as important to vision and action as getting your own unmodified ideas implemented.  

The last person I would have put in that category is Jesus. And he was the smartest, wisest most loving presence in any room he entered. Yet he knew that his physical presence was a barrier to the explosive growth He wanted to see in the men he was teaching. 

On a recent retreat with some friends we were meditating on Jesus’ last conversations with his friends and the stories of the early church.  In the Upper Room we saw tentative, fearful people still wondering what it all meant. Some weeks later we see Peter and John being what Jesus wanted them to be as they exercised the power given them by the promised Spirit. 

One of my friends said if Jesus had been present when they went to the temple they would have deferred to Him when confronted by a beggar – instead they became what Jesus would have been for that man and their courage and faith was powerful.  

Jesus offers many examples of his wisdom and power. He knew when his presence was reducing others’ capacity to grow. We need that lesson daily – don’t get in the way of others’ vision or ability. Peter and John show us that we can trust the Spirit to act with courage and faith as Jesus’ presence as we love and serve our world. 

A Prayer for Today

Loving God, there is a clamor of voices in our ears all seeming to have one way to think or respond to any given situation – and it’s killing our ability to learn from you and one another amid the noise. Help us speak truth with love and courage, offer listening rather than yelling and be a constructive influence in our world without silencing others …. For Jesus’ sake