Making the Tough Decision
(S) Scripture
Luke 23:13-24 (NASB77)
13 And Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.
15 "No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.
16 "I will therefore punish Him and release Him."
17 [Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]
18 But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!"
19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)
20 And Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,
21 but they kept on calling out, saying, "Crucify, crucify Him!"
22 And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; I will therefore punish Him and release Him."
23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail.
24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand should be granted.
(O) Observation
In the face of opposition from the people Pilate caved in and released Barabbas, a guilty man, and gave Jesus (who he and Herod had declared innocent) over to the Jews to be crucified. Pilate was more interested in keeping the people happy than in doing what was unpopular but right.
(A) Application
Sometimes I am called on to make a tough and unpopular decision. To be faithful and obedient to my call I must do what is right regardless of the circumstances. Like most people I want to be liked but sometimes I must make a decision that some will not like. It is much more important to please God than to please man. Today I again affirm my commitment to do the right thing regardless of the consequences to me rather than the expedient thing that might make me popular for a while.
(P) Prayer
Lord Jesus, in every decision I make I want to do what is right and pleasing to you. Grant me the discernment I need to know what is right and give me strength to resist the expedient. Amen.
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