Acts: The Hug Heard ‘Round the World
Recently, Al wrote an excellent article about the “next” book of Acts, in which he proposed that St. Luke may have deliberately left us hanging at the end of chapter 28 so that future Christians might say, “It’s our turn.” It’s our turn to write new chapters of faith, missions, miracles, worship, discipleship, trials, and fellowship. The Holy Spirit has arrived, and he’s at work today, even to the ends of the earth. Challenge accepted, Al. Consider this article one of many stories in a series of modern-day acts of the apostles.
I snuck away from the office one Friday, as I sometimes do, to substitute teach at Mountain View High School. I only ever fill in for one math teacher because my time and expertise are limited. But on this day too many positions were vacant, so the office manager asked me to use my free period to cover for choir. “As long as I don’t have to sing,” I replied.
I made the long trek from A-hall to the choir room and read the absent teacher’s instructions: “These are great kids! Just let them work on their project.” I immediately realized these great kids were different from the calculus crew. Their singing voices and piano skills were impressive, but an unpleasant lyric began to crescendo from one student’s mouth.
“It’s none of your %$@# business! Leave me the &#*@ alone!” A young lady screamed at her classmate. I watched in horror as the exchange escalated.
“I’m uncomfortable with how this conversation is going,” I interjected, and within seconds the enraged pupil was on her way to the “break room.” The victim of the verbal attack looked stunned, both of us wondering what the assailant might do once she left the classroom. The mood was gloomy for the rest of the period, and to my surprise, the aggressor returned a few minutes before class ended, leaving no time for more vitriol to erupt.
On my journey back to A-hall, I found myself trailing the still angry young lady. I could sense an inharmonious verberation emanating from her, so I prayed silently for God to bring peace to her agitated heart.
Suddenly, like the crash of a cymbal, I heard a familiar sound. Madi Meyer appeared from nowhere, wrapping her arms around the young lady and showering words of love and blessing upon her. It was instant harmony. The enemy was defeated.
In just that brief moment, I witnessed a true act of an apostle, a mighty work of the Holy Spirit. I can only imagine what might have happened if Madi hadn’t materialized. Revenge, malice, self-harm? Not today, devil!
There’s a good chance you’ve gotten that same hug and encouragement from Madi. She practices this skill regularly like a trained musician. What I observed in that hallway on a Friday at Mountain View High School was like watching a great musician perform a solo in a symphony. It deserved a standing ovation. Ephesians 5:19 commands, “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” Sometimes that entails actual singing, but often it is expressed by a joyful, loving embrace.
Now it’s your turn. I’d love to hear how the Holy Spirit has worked in your life or in those around you. Send your stories of modern-day acts of apostles to blog@foundrychurch.org.
