Pilate the Coward

Job 26-27; Mark 15-16

^{Mark 15:12-15
12} “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

¹³ “Crucify him!” they shouted.

¹⁴ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Pilate was in a pickle. He was the leader, he held Jesus' life in his hand and saw found nothing wrong with him. Pilate had a decision to make, do what the people say or listen to his gut. He listened to the people.

Living in a society where other people have a great influence, its easy to point the finger and Pilate and call him a coward. But looking at daily life, we make this decision everyday. "Its either them or me". And we would probably do what Pilate did: put ourselves first before anyone else, no matter how innocent they are. We unfortunately live in a selfish world with selfish people, but God came to become the light at the end of the tunnel. And with that light, we can be different.

Its easy in my area of work to have a bad attitude to people. I can snarl at them back and shake my head back and forth to them if i wanted to. Last night a lady asked me a question and i gave her an answer with a smile, but she decided to give me straight attitude! I could've done it right back if i wanted to but i answered her again...with a smile. And I'm glad i did because a lady was watching me the whole time and was surprised that i kept my composure. She even told me that she used to be the one who would have the attitude all the time with everyone, but now shes asked God to help change her heart. Telling her I'm a Pastor didn't surprise her because of how i kept myself in the situation. And however someone treats me, i have to remember that someone is always watching.

Father,

Thank you for the patience that you have instilled in my life. You have planted a seed inside of me that i can take to others and they can see who You are in me. Lord, keep using me for your good and guide me to your path everyday. I will not give up on you, your word, your promises, and your presence in my life. You are my everything

I forever love you always, Amen