SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:32-41
“It must be settled in a legal assembly.” (Acts 19:39)
The city clerk believes in ‘the great Artemis’, which he feels is undeniable (v.36).
Yet he speaks with wisdom and justice, and handles this city crisis well.
We can find wisdom and justice among those who don’t know Jesus!
We are all created by God, and have within our DNA a sense of truth and justice.
The truth and justice of God is written into the very creation itself.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
We should listen for what God can teach us through others, whether they share our faith or not.
Think about political or social issues of our day – including the controversial ones.
Even if you disagree with what others believe, is there any truth or justice in what they say?
It is helpful in political and social debates to listen, learn and affirm where we can.
It helps in moving beyond the confusion and acrimony, moving closer to the truth and justice.
Healthy, respectful and fair dialogue (a legal assembly) is still the best means of resolving differences.
Anger, argument, accusation, animosity – these will never accomplish the work of God.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, some of the big debates of our day are becoming battlegrounds, and sadly Christians are as imbalanced as their opponents. Thank you for those who are examples of healthy, respectful and fair dialogue, whatever side they’re on.
Observations/Application
Chaos.
Everyone desiring his own way.
Caught up in the moment with emotion but not knowing why.
Being carried away because . . . in the moment without thought.
There are ways, laws, procedures, legal ways to settle disputes. These ways keep our rash emotions in check so that we will not be sorry later for our actions. The regular methods of the law should stop popular uprisings. Ultimately is is God in control and He uses men to bring public peace. The world is kept in some order by His power but one day we all will stand before Him in judgement for our actions.
This is my Father’s world and He can still still the rage, the noise, the arguments, the discontent of the people.
Be still and know that I am God,
be still and know that I am God,
be still and know that I am God.
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.