It’s called ‘poking the bear’
by Pastor Steve Liersch
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And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead (Acts 17:2,3).
Read Acts 17:1–15
One meaning of the term ‘poking the bear’ from the Urban Dictionary says, ‘To act in such a way that has a good, but not definite chance, of causing trouble’. Even if Paul the missionary never heard of such a saying, he certainly is a great example of what we understand it to mean.
Not once, not twice, but three times, Paul ‘poked the bear’ on a Sabbath – meaning he took a new teaching into a well-established religious setting (Jewish synagogue) and presented a new and controversial teaching about the Messiah. Call it gutsy, stupid or nothing but courageous – it was always going to get a reaction. The best reaction was some would come to believe in Jesus as their Saviour. The worst reaction was that some Jews wanted Paul and Silas to face the crowd that they had incited to react in such a way they had to hide and then leave the city under the cover of darkness.
Jesus knew all about ‘poking the bear’ too. In Luke 4:14–30, he went into his hometown synagogue in Nazareth and read from the Jewish Scripture scroll (Isaiah). All spoke well of him until he ‘poked the bear’, reminding them of their and their ancestor’s failure to heed the word of God and recognise that God’s ways are different to their understanding of what’s possible. Throughout his ministry, Jesus was continually ‘poking the (Jewish) bear’ – think clearing the temple and healing on the Sabbath in a synagogue. Ultimately, these actions would cost him his life.
‘Poking the bear’ among family and friends can be one of the hardest things to do. Try raising a topic you know will bring an adverse reaction between people who usually get along fine – so long as you don’t talk about [fill in the taboo topic]. But when are you ever brave enough to talk about Jesus? Don’t forget, you’ve got the truth of God’s word and the most powerful force in the universe – the Holy Spirit – to back you up. Go for it!
Almighty God, strengthen me with your words and Spirit to be bold in speaking about you to family and friends. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife are almost empty nesters as their three adult children explore the world with work. They live in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth near Rockingham. Steve enjoys gardening, watching sports – especially Port Power and cricket – playing sudoku and catching up with friends. Sharing God’s love with others is still ranked as his top thing to do.
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