Even If You Are Very Furious Don’t Rush This Process

Acts 5:35
Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.

The Jewish leaders were very furious against the Apostles who they had warned against preaching. They were furious because these people had been rescued from prison and consequently embarrassed Jewish leaders and Roman Authorities. They were very furious because these Apostles were still adamant that they will continue preaching even after being prohibited.

In their anger, they wanted to rush the punishment process and quickly get rid of them. They were so angry that they would only calm down if the Apostles were disciplined, punished, and preferably dead. In their anger, they were about to make a decision when a wise man by the name of Gamaliel requested to speak.

Gamaliel was a respected teacher of the law and a pharisee, Acts 5:34. His opinion mattered among these angry people. They listened keenly to what he would say about this matter that had irked them to the core. Gamaliel told the Angry leaders the words in our key text today, Acts 5:35. Gamaliel told them to slow down the process of punishing the Apostles. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

Gamaliel told them they should never rush disciplinary issues because, like the cases, he cited of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, the issues resolved themselves. It is better if a case resolves itself than if the disciplinary committee is held responsible. Gamaliel tells them that if they delay this issue of the Apostles may resolve itself. Therefore he asks them to be very careful. To be careful means not acting in anger. Let the fog of rage clear before you move, lest you move in a ditch. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

Gamaliel also tells them that they should be careful and slow down because the Apostles could be having a divine backup, Acts 5:38-39. Gamaliel tells the disciplinary committee that if the Apostles are acting on human power, they will not last long. If the Apostles are acting on divine power, it would be dangerous for the Sanhedrin to discipline them or harm them in any way. The Sanhedrin that was meeting to discipline the Apostles was cautioned that they may find themselves in the awkward position of contending against God who sent the Apostles. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

These are the reasons Gamaliel gave the Sanhedrin as to why the disciplinary process must be slow, meticulous, and deeply considered. The consequences of a disciplinary process may affect the disciplinary committee more than the victim. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

In child discipline, the parent must calm down and compose himself or herself before addressing the child’s mistake. So that anger does not cloud the lesson the child should have learned. In anger, we may say things that will damage the child for life. In anger, you may hurt the child. In anger, you may cause the child to suspect that you hate him or her. In anger, you may cause the child to start developing a defense against you and when they are of age, you will not be able to control the child. Slow down and let the child know what mistake they made, and why it is wrong, and then specify the discipline, how many strokes of the cane, etc. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

If you are angry do not rush to end a relationship, take time to reflect. Suppose you are angry do not address a disagreement with a colleague. If you are angry do not confront armed government officials and security personnel. If you are angry don’t write emails. If you are angry don’t go to your boss to seek clarification. If you are angry do not address the public. If you are angry do not correct what has gone wrong. Slow down, compose yourself and take your time. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

Many things we do in anger we can’t undo. In disciplinary processes and when dealing with an offense against us, we can easily hurt other people in regrettable ways that we can’t reverse. Therefore slow down, take your time, consult and arrive at the best possible decision. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

There are circumstances where instant action must be taken because a delay will bring further damage. In such circumstances after wide possible consultation, action should not be delayed. However, in many instances, the disciplinary process deals with a situation that has already been contained and no further damage can be caused. In such situations, we must be slow and meticulous in order to ensure we do not regret our actions or end up having God fighting against us. Even if you are furious don’t rush the disciplinary process!

May God help us to be wise enough to slow down and ensure justice takes place. May God help us to manage our anger so that it does not stand in the way of justice and right doing. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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