What To Do When You Are On Trial
I was reviewing again a CD that I picked up this summer and it just seems so timely to share some of it with you. It is a sermon by Fred Craddock and its launching point Pilate on trial before Jesus. Craddock correctly notes that while Jesus is on trial Pilate is the one scurrying all about. In and out, in and out, Pilate spends John chapters 18 and 19 running around like a chicken with his head cut off:
- 18:29 came out
- 18:33 went back inside
- 18:38 went out again
- 19:4 once more came back out
- 19:9 went back inside (now afraid)
- 19:13 sat down (outside) on the judge’s seat
Jesus is the picture of calmness, and Pilate seems like the one on trial.
If you look over at Paul when he sat in prison, you get that same picture of focus and peace. Chained to guards and facing enemies that can take his life at any moment, Paul has sufficient courage (Philippians 1:20). Nothing deters him.
How do you act when your facing overwhelming odds?
How do you respond to other people when they have power over you and can abuse you and take your life?
Jesus makes a host of suggestions in the Sermon on the Mount:
“If someone want to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matthew 5:40-41).
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:46-48).
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes” (Matthew 6:25).
Whatever adversity you face today, be open to the Spirit of God. Be ready to live in all freedom. Circumstances are not your prison; they are your moment to shine.
