Transitional Words

Transitional words in the Scripture should not be seen as a racing train that simply get us quickly to the next place, but as words designed to slow us down.  In Dr. Robert Traina's class at Asbury Theological Seminary, he taught us that a transitional word announced something important.  They have a way of keeping us centered in the context of the passage.  They connect past and future, what has happened with what is about to happen, and keep us focused on the bigger picture. 

 

The very first word of the ninth chapter of Acts is a transitional word.  "Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord..."  The preceding chapter is all a time of great spiritual renewal in Samaria and a missionary moment when the gospel leapfrogged into the continent of Africa.  The message of Jesus is literally turning the world upside down.  Then come that word, "Meanwhile..."   It is a word which takes us out of the fervor and excitement of a great revival into a world where someone is lurking out there to do everything in his power to undermine and destroy the message of Jesus and the people connected to it.  While one is happening, so is the other.  The sun is shining on the Jesus movement.  The storm is hovering over it. 

 

It is a word which reminds us something important about the work of God in the world as well as in our own individual life.  Even as great things are happening which can only be attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit at work so are there things at work seeking to diminish and destroy what ever is gained for the Kingdom of God.  We must never be lulled into a spiritual complacency.  We must always be alert.  We must always be aware that even as we experience gains in our spiritual life, the evil one is lurking out there to undermine what the Spirit has done in us.  It is no wonder that the Apostle Paul would write, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able... to stand firm."  (Ephesians 6:13)