Links for today’s readings:
Read: Exodus 23 Listen: (4:44) Read: Luke 5 Listen: (5:04)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 23.2
2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd…
Reflection: Being a Crowd Unfollower
By Erin Newton
Following the crowd promises security and power, in the form of conformity. The temptation to follow is rooted in one’s insecurities.
In the story, Wicked, the main character Elphaba is born with green skin—a condition she is relentlessly ridiculed for. When her chance comes to ask the wizard to change her appearance, she is encouraged, “You can have all you’ve ever wanted.” To which she softly replies, “I know.” But what she has come to learn is that she doesn’t (can’t) want it anymore. To get what she had always wanted would mean following the crowd—and abandoning her convictions.
The truth learned in this Broadway show (now movie) is a timeless, biblical truth—following the crowd is not always in step with righteousness.
What’s the difference between finding community and just following the crowd? Aren’t both just finding a place to belong in a group of people? And even better, like-minded people?
Studies show that we are a lonely generation, brought on by global events and various other factors that are part of our everyday lives. Many of us work remotely, attend school at a distance, work long hours, and are hindered by a lack of finances, impending health crises, and even social anxieties. But we want to belong. We want to be known by others.
Crowds are the easiest places to fit in. You find a crowd, you join, and voila! Loneliness is, seemingly, solved.
But in cases where the crowds are doing the wrong thing—fitting in just makes you an accomplice.
The latter half of Exodus is a series of laws and instructions for God’s people. I found this one interesting and refreshing. The instruction is simple and evergreen. (Not like those festival laws or dress codes or dietary restrictions.) This law will last for eternity.
Crowds are not inherently bad. Following actually has biblical support. “Follow me,” Jesus said, and the Gospels recount many crowds in his presence.
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. You can be in a crowd. You can even follow along. But what is that crowd doing? What are your affiliations known for?
Many groups today will vie for our allegiance. It’s best to know your crowd before joining, but sometimes the crowd veers off the narrow path. Are we prepared to not follow?
Jesus calls us to abandon some of the groups we are in and follow him.
Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say good-bye to my people at home.” Jesus said to him, “Once the hand is laid on the plow, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9.61-62
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: A Bad Day Fishing
Every time we see him fishing in the scriptures, he is failing at it…we see Peter fishing on the worst days of his career.
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