When God Says …
“And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.” (John 19:12 KJV).
This verse captures a critical point in the Lord’s sham trial, as Pilate is torn between his desire to release the Lord Jesus with risk of Caesar’s ire and the pressure to have the religious leaders and the crowd’s adulation. This moment reflects the larger issues of authority, of power, and the collision of kingdoms - the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world.
In the characters of Pilate, the religious Jews, and the person of truth in Christ Jesus, we see realities of living revealed. Pilate is the picture of authority and power of the world, which are driven by self-vested-interest, fear, and the desire to dominate. The crowd of religious Jewish leadership is the essence of corrupt religion with its hypocrisy, using their positions for personal luxury and keeping their seat of self importance and control over those who are duped by wrong believing. In contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ embodies the true nature of the Kingdom of God. He submits willingly to all the unjust treatments, humbly resolved to obey the Father’s will, ultimately giving His life to redeem us all.
The questions that arise from this passage, which we must ask ourselves, would be: Who was Pilate trying to please, God or the crowd? How about the crowd, who were they trying to impress, themselves or God? This demonstrates vividly the chaos created by the convergence of politics and religion. This brings forth the message of eternal, consequential ramification. Personally, this must be asked: who are you trying to please, yourself, your peers, or your Savior? Answering this question is just as crucial for us, as it was for the religious Jews and for Pilate about two thousand years ago. Who you are trying to please, will either sanctify you or corrupt you. So, choose this day to live pleasing to God, by faith in Christ Jesus. It is not only the right way to live. But, it also postures us for all His benefits!
The Psalmist in his self-talk declared: “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—” (Psalms 103:2 NIV). The Apostle Paul, challenge us with this truth: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”(Romans 8:32 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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