Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus"... 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
This passage of scripture teaches us very valuable lessons in dealing with the evil spirits of accusation, fault-finding, gossip, and slander, for all of these attributes are manifestations of the character of satan, and our response must at all times be in the currency of heaven. In the two passages given above, we see that when Christ was derided, mocked, heckled, and evil-spoken of, He answered nothing, but instead left the beggarly elements to blow of their steam. Under this intense pressure and provocation, the temptations of satan for Christ to respond in like manner, fell on deaf ears, and throughout the entire ordeal, He maintained a calm, quiet demeanor, with outward expressions of inner serenity which baffled and humiliated His foes. Let's read:
Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it. 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. 4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. 5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
This shining example by Christ, is what Ben Carson should follow, for he will certainly be sorely tempted to respond to the various accusations and mockings hurled against him, and if by the grace of God he emulates our great Pattern, he will deal a deadly blow to the arrogance of the other top contender. The method by which evil is overcome is never by fighting fire with fire, but rather by overcoming evil with good. And thus, in harmony with this great Bible principle, it will be well if Ben Carson could follow where Jesus has led the way. This advice is not only for the man of gifted hands, but it's also for all Christians, who must face the ire of the dragon in some form or fashion, sooner or later. Let's read:
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Zechariah 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2 And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
A very interesting and important commentary is written by the servant of The Lord, pertaining to our response, whenever we are placed in similar circumstances, as was Christ when brought before Herod. To keep our spirit calm and gentle amidst the storm of angry words, and rude, sarcastic speeches, says much about the religion of Christ, and is often the means whereby a stark difference is observed between the agents of darkness and the agents of light. But under no circumstances should we involve ourselves in bellowing over those who speak in anger, for by so doing, we will misrepresent The God whom we serve, and will signally dishonor Christ in ways that may be difficult to mend. Let's read:
[Desire Of Ages pp. 353] The servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart. They need to have close communion with God, lest, under provocation, self rise up, and they pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or the still showers that refresh the withering plants. This is what Satan wants them to do; for these are his methods. It is the dragon that is wroth; it is the spirit of Satan that is revealed in anger and accusing. But God’s servants are to be representatives of Him. He desires them to deal only in the currency of heaven, the truth that bears His own image and superscription. The power by which they are to overcome evil is the power of Christ. The glory of Christ is their strength. They are to fix their eyes upon His loveliness. Then they can present the gospel with divine tact and gentleness. And the spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible.
Those who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet, not only men, but Satan and his agents. Let them remember the Saviour’s words, “Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3. Let them rest in the love of God, and the spirit will be kept calm, even under personal abuse. The Lord will clothe them with a divine panoply. His Holy Spirit will influence the mind and heart, so that their voices shall not catch the notes of the baying of the wolves.
Let us therefore seek to emulate Christ in all that we do or say, for it is by this means that God is glorified and honored in our lives. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which bids us conform to our great Exemplar, and it is the will of God that Ben Carson, as well as each and every one of us, be willing and humble enough to follow where Christ leads the way. Let's read:
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!