Mob Rule

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Scripture

So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.
(Acts 19:32 NASB)

Observation

The crowds in Ephesus had been stirred up. They were angry at Paul (at least some of them) because the message he was preaching was affecting their business. However, by the time they all made it to auditorium many had no clue why they were there. They were screaming and yelling and joining into the mob but really had no idea what was going on. They were simply following the crowd that day and joining into the excitement.

Application

We are living in interesting days where we have seen, on occasion, that the mob is ruling. As followers of Christ we must step back and ask some critical questions. Do we really know what is going on? Do we know why people are upset? Maybe there are those involved with personal motivations which we would not support and yet, because we ask no questions, we might simply join the mob. I believe that Jesus would caution us to be careful of mob response in anything because usually those responses don't understand the implications of all involved. Let us be on our knees. Let us pray. Let us seek to know the issues facing us and may God use His children as instruments of His peace.

Prayer

Lord, may I be Your instrument today in your Kingdom! Amen.

Comments

  1. HadleyOctober 24, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    thank you for this timely challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ArleneOctober 24, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    I remember in college one of your favorite songs was Make Me an Instrument. Thanks for the devotional and being a woman after God's heart - and your melody is being heard! :)

    ReplyDelete

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