October 10, 2019: SOAP #3598:  Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 23:22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have him punished and then release him.” 23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Observation:  Pilate found no basis of any of the charges.  Herod found no basis and returned Jesus to Pilate.  Pilate again declares that he finds no basis of the charges.  Five times Jesus has been declared innocent!

Yet Pilate surrendered Jesus to “their will.”

Application:  Jesus tells me He is in control.  I read in the scriptures two or three places that He is in control.  I hear testimonies how Jesus took charge of a problem.  People specifically tell me to trust Jesus to take charge.  Many more than five times I have heard that Jesus can control my circumstances; yet, I run ahead worrying and in desperation doing what I think best!  And I condemn Pilate???  Leon, what are you thinking!

Prayer:   Yes, Lord.  You have more than enough wisdom and more than enough power to bring about what is best in my circumstances.  In big and in small things, I do best when I follow your lead. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!