Judgement or Praise

Then Paul said to him, "Gid is going to judge you, you whitewashed wall, you sit and judge me according to the law, yet you strike me against the law." Acts 23:3

Paul, who knew the law, and was being judged according to the law, lashes out at Ananias, the high priest, who ordered him to be struck across the mouth for his claim, in verse 1, that he had conducted himself blamelessly before God. 

When confronted about speaking as he did to the high priest, Paul States that he did not know he was the high priest.

Ananias had been the high priest in Jesus's trial. Paul had been a student under Gamaliel, a member if the Sanhedrin, and to not have know Ananias seems odd. It is thought Paul had poor sight, however he may have been sarcastic, but then again, in the authority he had been given he may have been speaking prophetically. For Ananias was indeed a wicked ruler who eventually died at the hands of his people.

As a general rule Paul exhorts all to honour those in leadership( Romans), good and bad, so it is odd that he would have behaved in anger.

Each of us have leaders of some sort. In Australia it is common for ordinary folk to have an opinion about the government. Some are quite sarcastic and nasty. However, no matter what we think, if we pray for our leaders, God can use them for our good.

As in any relationship, we can choose to judge and complain or turn to God to praise and worship His truth and what He can accomplish with a heart completely sold out to Him. Again and again I have seen this work in my life. People's attitudes change completely as I praise and worship, my God is bigger than the sins of others. Amen! 

What am I saying? Try praise and worship instead of complaining! It works!