I liked Peterson's discussion of the 7 signs and especially his summary on page 98 of how our "sterotyped ideas of what God does and how he does it" cause us to misread the signs of God's presence and activity. It's a list I can use to reflect on my own state of mind.
In the 7th sign -- the raising of Lazarus -- Peterson notes the presence of Caiaphas (something I don't think I'd ever noticed!) and concludes the section with this: "For [Caiaphas] this [sign] was the last straw. He promptly set the machinery in motion to kill Jesus." An amazing reaction to seeing someone brought back to life.
This reminds me of something I've noticed in pastoral ministry. Mostly, the people we've loved sacrificially (stood by in times of crisis or trouble, gone the second, fifth, or tenth mile with, etc. -- the people to whom we've tried to be "signs" of Christ's presence and love in times of darkness, disorder, or confusion) are grateful for our our ministry to them. But, almost without fail, the handful of people who've "turned on us" with severe criticism or outright rejection also come from these ranks.
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Laurel,
What a profound insight that the people who criticize/turn on you can sometimes be the same ones that so "appreciated" your ministry to them when you stood by their side. I have definitely found this to be true, particularly in one situation with a family that has recently "turned on me". I have been baffled by their behavior since they were at one time some of my biggest "fans." But as I'm preparing for Palm Sunday and looking at the text in John (right after Lazarus is raised), I too am realizing that what people want are miraculous signs and a hero that will provide them. I shouldn't trust the triumphant cries of the crowd but glory in the cross, as Paul says. After all, we are following a king that was not crowned, but crucified.
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