It’s a parade of opposition closing in over us! We feel as if we are in a tunnel and everything is shrinking except for the noise. The clamor is powerful because we chose to move backwards. After all everything inside of us is shaking and commanding me to cave in.
Often when we feel intimidated or afraid, we run through a gamut of emotions. Reason is somehow obliterated, and it seems easier to go with the crowd.
During Jesus arrest and public accusation, we see such a case. What was Pilate afraid off? He had three opportunities to set the record straight, to release Jesus but the crowd’s noise silenced his convictions.
“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.” “But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.” (Luke 23:22-23)
Have you been cornered and accosted to change what you know to be right? Has fear of people caused you to be silent? It’s amazing how crafty the enemy has become in his pursuit to shut out truth and justice.
Pilate let the fear of the crowd change what he knew to be true. Jesus was beaten and crucified.
Elijah ran away from Jezebel after he heard the message delivered to him that Jezebel was coming after him. This was a prophet mightily used of God but now running to the heartbeat of fear.
Jesus was crucified but rose from the dead! Elijah encountered God in a whisper that encouraged his heart to focus again.
What can we do when errors and wrongs are trying to manipulate us? How can we stand up for what is right and not succumb to the noise?
Sometimes stating what is right has to be learned because for some of us it does not come naturally. It is easier to stay in the boat than to rock it!
We must recognize what we are thinking. Our thoughts dictate what we feel, and they produce actions. Self-dialogue is good. Communication should be respectful of others. But we must practice assertiveness and state what we want to say. Fear of other’s opinions will cripple us.
If we don’t address and speak what we want to convey, the silence will reap resentment in our own hearts causing stress and even anger at ourselves. The thought, “why did I not say something” often reverberates within us.
Speak the truth with respect and promote honest dialogue.
We must acknowledge truth and learn to speak a yes or no when called for. Often, we are afraid of what we should say.
Being quiet is a powerful tool. But, when we are called to speak, we must push past the fear and speak up.
Truth will prevail.
Let's not get caught up in the noise.
Pilate had three opportunities to release Jesus, but he was silenced and intimidated by the crowd.
Today we have an opportunity again to address and speak with respect to the situations that want to overtake us.
Humbly stand before the presence of the Lord like Elijah. Let his presence realign the heart. Let our minds be renewed and our tongue surrendered to his use. Every member in our body for his glory.
“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 118:5-6)
God bless you!~Liz
