Acts 4:23-37
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
We were meeting, talking about church rules and regulations. Specifically about missions. We were all united in our concern over excess control being exercised over our efforts – especially in foreign mission work. None of us wanted to ignore the larger church, nor keep secret our mission activities. But we didn’t want to have to check our every move and decision with higher-ups. That’s when I said, “When it comes to mission work, give me chaos rather than gridlock any day.” That was greeted with several amens.
Recently I was in conversation with a colleague who is significantly involved in regional mission work efforts. He has coordinated the start of several churches in the greater Houston area, and continues to work on building partnerships among churches and pastors, church planters and missional communities. He was a bit frustrated with the confusion he experienced in trying to develop new partnerships. Some were already forming. Others wondered why he was just then getting to them.
Chaos! It’s better than gridlock. But it is still a challenge.
I think of how many of St. Paul’s letters were written because of some degree of chaos. People problems. Theological missteps. Practical considerations. Financial urgencies. All forms of chaos.
This unfolding situation in the Early Church is no exception. Dramatic events surrounding Ananias and Sapphira give way to great fear. Great fear is countered by miraculous healings, signs, and wonders. The church is growing. Men and women are being brought into the fellowship. People are being saved in the midst of fear, confusion, deceit, and truth.
Maybe you’re like me. Chaos in theory is OK. But sometimes I want a quiet space. That may not be gridlock, but neither is it the only sign of God’s activity. Right now, I’m in a place of peace. But chaos awaits me for the sake of God’s mission. These moments will prepare me for those times of challenge that are a part of God’s work in the world, life in a fallen world, and the making of even greater opportunity for God’s kingdom to be revealed. God is in it all!
David Bahn - Reflections 
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