Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Connecting Point: Grace in a Pickle

We often use idioms to make a point clear. A “pickle” refers to a difficult situation or a quandary. Most likely you have escaped by the skin of your teeth a time or two from a pickle you’ve created yourself. I have. Leaders learn what to do through experience. Preparing for a recent sermon I turned to the Martyr Stephen, and studied God’s Word.

The Bible provides us with examples in which people displayed quality character when encountering difficult circumstances, one being Stephen. Acts records how the church was growing in spite of intense persecution, with that growth came intense persecution. The early Apostles sought out other leaders to assist in ministry needs, so seven men were chosen, and Stephen was one of these.

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke,” (Acts 6:8-10).

Stephen’s tenure as a church leader was rather short; he didn’t experience much of a “honeymoon” but was thrown into the fire instantly. Persecution always tests the church but those who have worth-while the character stands strong. He was rightly chosen for this reason and became one of the earliest martyrs of the Christian church. Stephen displayed grace in a real pickle. Acts reveal some noteworthy observations of how the church dealt with pressure. In chapters 1-3 we see the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the church was united and on a mission. True, circumstances change and turmoil among believers arises. Note the following:

One, expect opposition. When God is working there will always be backlash, this is par for the course. However, as Christians, we must refrain from getting distracted from spreading the Gospel. If we proceed without deliberation, we are apt to lose focus. David Guzik writes of this matter in Acts 6, “Satan loves to use an unintentional wrong to begin a conflict. The Hebrews were right in their hearts and the Hellenists were right in their facts.” Contextually, we understand that some widows were being neglected so the church had to gracefully address the matter and come up with a plan. This included wisely allowing others besides the Apostles to function.

Two, popular opinion alone is insufficient to shape church vision. Leadership was chosen by nomination from the people but then appointed by the Apostles. People had their say, but they also followed the leaders. Character is far more valuable than charisma. It reminds me of another wise idiom: Grace doesn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room but is exemplified by those who demonstrate peace when the situation is intense.

Three, false accusations come from those whose hearts are contrary to God’s heart. Acts 6:12-14 describe that such accusations were based on lies and false testimony. Yet, Stephen defended himself in a manner that was graceful, “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel,” Acts 6:15.

We too should choose grace when the pressure is on.

 

Reader Comments(0)