Acts Chapter 23 – Verses 1-5
Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!” Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth.But Paul said to him, “God will slap you; you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”
Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
“I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
The high priest ordered that Paul be struck – something which Paul pointed out in his rebuke was against the law. In turn, Paul was chastised for speaking that way to the high priest. Paul conceded that point and apologised with grace, after explaining that he hadn’t realised who he was talking to. I think that says a lot about how Ananias conducted himself. He didn’t behave as befitted the office. His attitude was more, ‘Do as I say, but not as I do…’
What about me? If I identify as a follower of Jesus and say that I am a Christian, is it obvious from the way I live my daily life, and not just when I turn up at church? Things we don’t want to have said to us are, “I never knew you were a Christian”, or worse, “I thought you were supposed to be a Christian!” We need to remember we are ambassadors of Christ and we are never off duty.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be aware of whose title I bear as a Christian. May I seek to always reflect Jesus in my conduct and behaviour. Forgive me when I let my selfish behaviour take over. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.