On the Shoulders of GiantsSample

Making Good Trouble

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. -Acts 4:18

The man sat outside the temples on a pallet; his torso sturdy but his legs useless. Given his circumstances, he worked the only occupation available to him—begging. Jesus’ followers, Peter and John, through God’s power, healed the man, giving him the ability to walk. Immediately, everything for this man improved.

Some in the temple took exception to this healing; and after Peter and John said it happened through the power of Jesus Christ, the temple leaders ordered them not to preach or teach in His name. They had just stirred up good trouble, trouble created by doing the right thing in an unjust world.

On Sunday, March 17, 1965, some 600 of our ancestors gathered in self-determination, dressed in their Sunday best, gaining strength through prayer to walk toward empowerment. They reached the Edmund Pettus Bridge on their way to register to vote. John Lewis was among the throng. The officers at the other end of the bridge attacked and almost ended the life of Lewis and many others.

But the event was instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act. In later years, Lewis gave the template of moving for a just cause, saying “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Good trouble anchors in the greater good, going beyond personal comfort, willing to change the world through the power of God.

Noel Hutchinson

We are the better for those who have stood up for good in the face of evil.

Father, help us as we pray, follow Your commands, and serve in the name of Jesus.