December 29, 2020 -- John 19:1,8 -- Gripped by fear or courage?

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him…When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.

John 19:1,8 English Standard Version

Why did Pilate have Jesus whipped? Earlier in John the reader realizes that Pilate is somewhat intrigued by Jesus and he asked Jesus some questions, which seemed not to be driven by his role as governor, but driven by curiosity. But in the reading today it is evident Pilate does not have the courage to stand his ground. Presented with an angry crowd and scheming religious leaders Pilate can’t defend the man who so clearly took hold of his interest.

It’d be easy to batter Pilate and scorn him for being a splintering reed rather than a pillar of strength. How often have I not been in a similar position? The person before me is interested in the things of God but when the call to radical obedience, as Jesus Himself set it out before His disciples, is presented others listening in on the conversation voice their scorn and derision. How confidently will I speak then? Unfortunately, where I should have been strong I look back on my actions, knowing I have been a splintering reed, unable to bear any weight of opposition. There is a meme that has been on the newsfeed of several of my friends, it goes something like this: “When God called you, He factored in your stupidity”. In my case, He has factored in my wavering courage.

After His resurrection Jesus went to His disciples, the very ones who’d betrayed Him and failed Him, and He spoke peace to them. When our failures have been presented to us, by a scripture reading, the Holy Spirit, or a peer in the faith, God in His great mercy is giving us an opportunity to admit our failure and seek His grace so that we will be prepared for the next time when we will be challenged to stand firm in our convictions for Jesus. Think about this--even our failures can cause us to better understand the steadfast strength of God’s love for each of us. Blessed be His Name.

Prayer is a stanza of Jesus, with Your Church Abide, though a different version than is attached to this devotional.

Faithful Father, pardon us for work undone, pardon us for fields unwon, the bless the work be have begun. Lord, our Savior hear us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/XmGqO1Ukb8M

TEXT:Thomas Benson PollockMUSIC:Christopher Miner

1. Jesus, with Thy church abide;
Be her savior, Lord, and Guide,
While on earth her faith is tried:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

2. Keep her life and doctrine pure;
Grant her patience to endure,
Trusting in Thy promise sure:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

3. May she one in doctrine be,
One in truth and charity,
Winning all to faith in Thee:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

4. May she guide the poor and blind,
Seek the lost until she find
And the brokenhearted bind:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.