THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 19:23-31
“They were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (Acts 19:28)
How do we respond when people belittle or dishonour what we believe?
Do we feel threatened, do we become defensive, do we become negative or aggressive?
If we truly think that what we believe is true, we should not feel threatened.
These men cannot change the truth of Jesus, even in their fury and aggression.
Some religious groups respond to ‘blasphemy’ with fury and violence.
It seems to me that this exposes their beliefs as false, if they have to defend them.
You don’t have to defend a lion; just let it go, and watch it defend itself.
We don’t have to defend Jesus against critics; let Him free and He will defend Himself.
The way of Jesus challenges us to respond differently when we face differences.
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28)
This is not just academic; how should christians respond to the Sri Lanka tragedy?
As a Jesus follower, I need to respond to opposition and violence like Jesus did.
Fury and violence are not the Jesus Way, but grace and mercy and blessing are.
We cannot overcome evil with evil, but we can overcome it with good (Romans 12:21)!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to resist anger, defensiveness and violence when I hear people attack or mock You or Your Church. Help me to love more, bless more, forgive more… like You did!