SCRIPTURE:
“When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: ‘Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.’”
Acts 5:33-39
OBSERVATION:
As Peter and the Apostles taught in the Temple courts, the High Priest and the Sanhedrin became furious as their teaching would indict the Sanhedrin and point to their guilt with regard to Jesus and his crucifixion. They seemed to respond out of guilt and a self-protection. What spoke to me was Gamaliel’s wisdom and discernment not to overreact and be impulsive, but to stop think, reason, and seek the truth. I admired his encouragement, bravery, caution and forethought. More so, I admired his resolve to see God’s will come to pass even if the process shed light on the Sanhedrin’s responsibility in the crucifixion of Christ.
APPLICATION:
I know that I can sometimes be impulsive and reactionary given the information at hand, and also the emotion that may be involved. Thus, I react, recalling at times that I wish I could turn back the clock and redo the situation that occurred, and most of all my impulsive response. Going forth, it is those times that I hope I will have patience, caution, discernment and wisdom; to be careful of overreacting, adding fuel to a fire that need not burn, and seeking instead Godly wisdom. It is in those times that I hope I will have the leadership trait in me to help guide the situation towards what would be fair, true and of the heart of Jesus. I realize that as a leader my words, actions and character are always being observed and the influence God has allowed me to have can be used adversely if my heart, mind, thoughts, words and actions represent my pride, an offense, and even revenge. As Gamaliel cited, may my response be of God and may I not fight against God’s will.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I am humbled by Your call on my life. I pray that my influence and actions as a pastor and leader would be discerning, full of wisdom, but most of all following after the heart of Christ. I know that I often have a unknowing propensity to get caught up in emotion, drama, or sensationalism of a situation. May my resolve, words and actions be guided by You to bring forth Your will.
