Disorder in the Court

When feeling defensive, often we become offensive. Quick in retort, it’s easy to lash out with the tongue while suppressing the heart. It’s amazing how the Enemy can make a mountain out of a molehill. Thankfully and unsurprising, the Bible gives us many examples on how we should act when we might feel defensive.

“If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest” - Ecclesiastes 10:4

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” - James 1:19

In the story of Stephen, we see many Godly traits in how he lives and how he acts. They stand uncamouflaged against the actions of the Sanhedrin.  These Jewish leaders, protecting their way of life, put a man full of God’s grace and power on trial and when they do not like what Stephen had to say, they were “furious”, “gnashed their teeth”, “covered their ears”, “yelling at the top of their voices”. If that 4-year-old’s-response-to-not-getting-that-toy-in-the-check-out-aisle temper wasn’t enough, they play judge-jury-executioner by stoning Stephen immediately.

While stonings are not commonplace anymore, this rage, this action without thinking, this shoot first ask questions later happens daily. As we examine this text, undoubtedly mourning Stephen’s physical body while marveling at how God’s going to use Saul-soon-to-be-Paul, let’s examine how we act when feeling rage or a lesser uncomfortableness. Are we defensive at what someone said, or are we upset that it was true?

-Alex Pfister