Provoke and Consider

Two thoughts from Hebrews 10:24, a recent reading: "spur, encourage, stir, motivate" one another to good deeds. The word paroxusmos is translated in KJV and other versions as provoke. Of course we don't appreciate being provoked, but the writer is saying that the goal of this kind of provocation is to move us towards love and good deeds. So wisdom is needed when we decide to be the provokers.

Later in the same chapter, the author reminds readers of the suffering they've endured and warns them not to throw away their confidence. Confidence in this setting means freedom or boldness in public speech.

Events from the past summer have provoked many of us to rescue our confidence from the dumpster and speak, sticking up for those who through illness or abuse can't raise their heads high enough above the milieu to breathe. And we all know that provoking one another to look at social structures too often results in stubborn or angry or even violent responses--typical when we feel the ground shift. But Hebrews 10:24 calls for wise provocation that is based on love and results in acts of kindness, justice, mercy, and generosity.

As I considered this verse, what came to mind was an image of the peaceable kingdom, drawn from the most unlikely of creatures who come to rest side by side. Unless there's something wrong with us, we all desire peace. But peace is often disturbed when the order we're used to is disturbed. Our tendency is to argue and dig in and double down to what we believe has worked for us to feel at peace. 

Is it possible when experiencing provocation to maintain our peace? To give thought to another opinion? Is it possible in these difficult discussions for the lion of to keep from eating the lamb? To be open to another way of thinking? Can we possibly try to give ourselves to what the author of Hebrews 10:24 seems to be provoking us to do?

How about this as a motto: PEOTTA--Provoke Each Other To Think Again.