A Cool Head

When these events were over (miraculous healings and deliverances), Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. "After I have been there," he said, "I must see Rome as well!" So after sending two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. F a person named Demetrius, s a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of bUsiness for the craftsmen. When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said, "Men, you know that your prosperity is derived from this business. You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and mislead a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin- the very one all of Asia and the world adore."
When they had heard this they were filled with rage and began to cry out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's travelling companions. Acts 19:21-29

The world wants to protect its idols and any threat is taken to task. Demetrius did cause a stir, and the Jews decided to join in but the city clerk calmed the crowd down and told those with grievances to go to the courts to settle the matter. Praise God for sound judgement and a cool head. I suppose at is what magistrates and leaders of all sorts are supposed to do, not be caught up in the heat of the moment.

I am truely grateful when I find a leader who is not caught up in the noise but rather are ruled by a deeper spirit. Leaders who fail to keep the peace run the risk of being exposed as foolish men, if not straight away, at a later date.

For us Christians, what is God saying? Amen!




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