PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 22:30-23:5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” (Acts 23:1)
I am reminded of Psalm 26, where David defends himself from false accusations.
Or of Paul’s self-defense to the Corinthians: “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Neither David nor Paul are claiming to be innocent, perfect or blameless.
Paul is quick to admit his failures, like speaking against the high priest (23:5).
David also repents when his sin with Bathsheba is revealed to him (Psalm 51).
But as far as they know, to the best of their ability, they want to obey God.
Humility, sincerity and faith – not sinlessness – are the marks of a Jesus follower.
The Lord uses imperfect people to show his immense patience to the world (1 Timothy 1:16).
To the best of my ability, in all good conscience, I want to fulfill my duty to Jesus.
But when I fall short, even then I know: the Lord is my judge and will be gracious to me.
I am not innocent because I am so good, but because he is so good and forgiving.
And with his help, I am slowly learning what it means to live, love and serve like him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being a patient Saviour and a gracious Lord. With your help and the best of my ability, in all good conscience, I want to fulfill my duty to you!
Paul is unjustly slapped in his face when he makes that statement defending what he did – so he reacts and points out the hypocrisy of the slap – defenders of justice and right subverting that justice – but he didn’t realize that it was the High priest that ordered it – justified or not, Paul’s respect for the command under Moses to respect the ‘ruler’ of the people quickly causes him to apologize. Ultimately Paul knew that he was right before God – who knows all things – that gave Paul the confidence to stand up to those in authority – who I am sure he knew well from his previous work with them. I/we are in the same situation where we live and work. We have authorities over us – we respect our rulers and our office-bearers/Pastors – at least we ought hold them in high regard because of the authority that has been delegated to them. WE need to pray for them always as they are human too and can react unprovoked and unjustly as well. Help me Lord to be able to discern and to walk in the truth and know how to apply it. Guide me I pray by your Spirit.
Speak the truth in love.
Love those who persecute you. Pray for them especially those in leadership positions that they may do what is right. At all times I need to stand up for Jesus in all that I say and do, with God helping me and guiding me along the way – His way.
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without thy light to see
Lord just always let me thy servant be
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray