Aulus Gellius, a first century Latin author, recorded a story in his classic (and only) work Attic Nights, of a man named Androcles. It is a common Greek name, but is perhaps best remembered in Gellius’ tale of this run-away slave who removed a thorn from a lion’s paw and later, having been imprisoned and condemned to die in the Roman Circus Maximus, was recognized by the lion who, remembering his kindness and deep friendship, refused to devour him. The emperor, witnessing this, immediately pardoned Androcles, and…they lived happily ever after. So the story goes….
There are some simple lessons derived from the story.
Androcles acted out of concern for the well-being of the animal and performed a loving act of kindness. He corrected what was wrong. He removed the thorn, cleaned the infection, and wrapped it in bandages and the healing began.
More than that, a friendship began. There was respect for one another that only grew deeper.
There are some biblical truths that parallel aspects of this story, particularly in regards to reproof, rebuke and correction, subjects we often shy away from, but shouldn’t.
I read this morning Psalm 141. It says, in part:
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies! Let a righteous man strike me–it is a kindness; let him rebuke me–it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds. – Ps. 141:3-5 (ESV)
David, so very conscious of his own sins against God, his many imperfections, declares he would gladly be corrected, reproved by a righteous man, and even compares such an act as “oil for my head” which would not be refused. “It is a kindness” he says.
The essence of the passage is that David would prefer to be corrected for his own wrongdoing by a righteous man than to be involved with sin in the company of those who have no fear of sinning against God. Correction to him would be an act of kindness, a help, a blessing, the beginning of a healing process.
Do we have similar views of reproof? How do you feel about being corrected? Of having your sin pointed out, lovingly, by someone who cares deeply for you? It’s not always easy to accept is it?
When we search the scriptures, we find that reproof is described as:
- Better than hidden love Prov. 27:5
- Proof of true friendship Prov. 27:6
- Better than the song of fools Eccl. 7:5
It leads to:
- Intelligence Prov. 15:32
- Knowledge Prov 19:25
- Wisdom Prov. 15:31; 29:15
- Honor Prov 13:18
- Happiness Prov. 6:23
It eventually brings more favor (respect) than flattery. Prov. 28:23
When I read the story of Androcles and his lion friend, I thought about many things in relation to Psalm 141. The removing of the thorn may have been a temporary pain to experience, but it was an act of love allowing the healing to begin. When we are lovingly corrected for a sin by those who are concerned for God’s glory and our sanctification, it may hurt at first, but the healing begins, a wrong is made right, and the recognition of our sin, brought to light by our brethren, deepens our gratitude for His grace and mercy – and it glorifies Him!
- Joel Taylor
“How do you feel about being corrected?”
This is a fresh topic for me, but I have a different perspective. Just this week I was corrected quite harshly, but my reproof was not from man…but by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I went into the Word with a selfish heart to prove at point to someone else, and the Word itself convicted me of my sinful heart and clearly showed me that I was at fault. I praise God for this trial, and for loving me enough to pierce my sinful heart with His Truth.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”