Word for the Soul

“At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm……So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.” Nehemiah 4:6, 13 NLT

The work of rebuilding the walls in Jerusalem is starting to take place here in chapters 3 & 4 in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah had completed his prep work. He has the authorization from the king to rebuild, the materials have been provided, Nehemiah had done a walk around the city surveying the damage noting the work that needed to be done, and most importantly, he had the good hand of the Lord upon him.

Chapter 3 details the beginning of the work. Eight gates are noted to be repaired along with their attached sections and specifically who was responsible for the rebuilding of that portion of the wall. This building project include all classes of people; priests, rulers, goldsmiths, the common laity, women, and merchants were motivated to work on rebuilding the wall. No doubt they were motivated by their leader Nehemiah who was organizing the workers in a way that would cover every inch around the city wall. The rebuilding began at the northeast corner of the city moving counterclockwise. Some of the workers were assigned to sections in front of their own homes. I’m sure extra careful effort would be made on that portion of the wall for the protection of their family. Nehemiah was also aware that it would take all the people to be motivated, not just the leaders, to get the job done. Nehemiah’s example of motivation is still used today in many business models in boosting moral in the workplace.

The work was progressing, but now so was the opposition to it. “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews.” (Neh.4:1 nlt) The first attempt by Nehemiah’s enemies was to humiliate the people and their work. They tried to make them feel subconscious in their efforts, eventually quitting. “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Neh.4:2 nlt) Nehemiah didn’t waste any time. He quickly called out to the God of heaven for help. He didn’t insult his mockers or resort to physical means but prayed to God who brought him this far. Dr. John MacArthur notes, “Nehemiah’s dependence of God is never more evident than in his prayer.” Nehemiah is again displaying his godly leadership in recognizing God as the true leader.

The motivation and organizational skills Nehemiah displayed paid off as the wall was erected to half its height “for the people had worked with enthusiasm.” (Neh.4:6b nlt) Sanballat, Tobiah, and the rest of Nehemiah’s enemies now with a new addition, the Ashdodites from the western side of Jerusalem, were about to unveil plan B. Jerusalem was now completely surrounded by those in opposition to the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. And “They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.” (Neh.4:8 nlt)

Nehemiah was diligent in leading the people in prayer (Neh.4:9) and securing a plan for readiness in case of attack. He placed guards around the city day and night. But discouragement was setting in from overwork and fear of attack. And when the people gazed at the debris to be cleared out, they were beginning to become overwhelmed. “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” (Neh.4:10 nlt) This is good example for modern-day Christians to observe. There are times when our spiritual walls of protection are destroyed and lie in ruins due to our sin. Among the debris and ruins of the wall is the rubble and broken pillars of sin we have allowed in our life causing our spiritual wall to collapse. It may be a daunting task, but our sin must first be cleaned up and discarded before we start to rebuild those spiritual walls.

The Jews were getting full warnings of a planned attack when they least expect it, but it was imminent. Nehemiah went into action to protect the people and to see to it that the work would continue. He placed guards at the lowest and most vulnerable spots on the wall. When rebuilding our own spiritual walls, we will have low spots that need protection so that we don’t slip back into sin. Be aware and stand guard. Satan does not want your walls built back up. Nehemiah stationed families together behind the wall in open spaces with weapons for protection. Families would be together protecting each other and seeing their portion of the wall rebuilt. We also need family support in rebuilding our spiritual walls, don’t try to do it alone. Nehemiah now exhorts everyone by saying, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Neh.4:14b nlt)

The Jews’ enemies realized that God frustrated their plans just as they tried to upend the Jews work on the wall. They gave up on plan B. But Nehemiah did not let up. He took the time to better secure the work area and the protection of the people. Nehemiah cut his workforce in half by installing half of them as guards while the other half continued to build the wall with a weapon close at hand. The leaders were positioned behind the workers and were prepared to lead the response if attacked. A trumpeter was always alongside Nehemiah to sound the alarm for all to hear and help wherever there was trouble. The people willing followed Nehemiah working sunrise to sunset, staying in the city protecting it every night and each other not even taking time to change their clothes. Godly leaders who are organized, motivated, and diligent will accomplish much in whatever they are charged to do and will have the support of those behind them.

Read: Nehemiah 3-4 NLT – Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem – Then – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Let the Little Children Come to Me

October 12, 2024October 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Luke 18:16 NIV

The 2024 United States Presidential election has several key issues on the minds of voters. The hot button issue of abortion is the most controversial by far. It is so controversial that one of the major parties hardly references it. The other major party has filled the airwaves making it an issue of choice. ‘Abortion’ is rarely mentioned in any campaign ad. There is controversy in how late in the pregnancy a woman may make this decision. With no definite clarity from abortion advocates, there is no time frame in which a woman does not have the right to choose.

We have all heard of the ‘exceptions rule’ allowing abortion in the case of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. Let’s look at some statistics. In a report by USA Today in 2019, “Just 1% of women obtain an abortion because they became pregnant through rape, and less than 0.5% do so because of incest, according to the Guttmacher Institute.” (1) From that same report, 74% said having a baby would dramatically change my life, 73% said they can’t afford a baby now, 48% admitted to not wanting to be a single mother or have relationship problems, and 38% referenced they completed their childbearing years. (1) The Charlette Lozier Institute reports that 0.3% of abortions are performed due to risk of the women’s life or a major body function. (2) It is quite easy to see that mostly all abortions are due to choice. Abortion advocates are right, it is all about choice. But how are Christians, followers of Jesus, to rectify this choice movement. Is it strictly a woman’s choice? It is her body made in the image of God, but does God approve of the choice that effects another one of His image bearers? “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Ps.127:3 (nlt) And how did Jesus did feel about children when He was on the earth.

Christians today, me included, strive to live the way Jesus lived by following His words and example. When Jesus’ disciples mistakenly were not allowing parents to bring their babies to Jesus to touch them, Jesus overruled them and invited the babies to Himself. “People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.’” (Lk.18:16 niv) Jesus’ words and feelings are the same today. He is saying ‘let the little children come to me.’

Matthew records Jesus’ words regarding children’s guardian angels, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Mt.18:10 nlt) Parents refer to their children as little angels the minute they are born. It’s hard to believe they are not innocent little angels in the womb and with their guarding angel looking over them.

The choice that is being made every day does not consider the innocent who is unable to make a choice if they want to live or die. According to NPR, “More than a million abortions were provided in the U.S. in 2023. To be precise, researchers estimate there were 1,026,700 abortions in 2023. ‘That’s the highest number in over a decade, [and] the first time there have been over a million abortions provided in the U.S. formal health care system since 2012,’ explains Issac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist with Guttmacher.” (3)

So, what is a Jesus follower to do? “Rescue those being led away to death.” (Pr.24:11 niv) for Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.”

(1) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/24/rape-and-incest-account-few-abortions-so-why-all-attention/1211175001/

(2)

Fact Sheet: Reasons for Abortion

(3) https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/19/1238293143/abortion-data-how-many-us-2023

Devotionals

Discovering Great Value

October 11, 2024October 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” Matthew 13:45-46 NLT

“for God bought you with a high price……” 1 Corinthians 6:20a NLT

What is of great value to you that you would pay an exorbitant price for it? Is there anything that you would give up all that you own to possess it? It has been said that a fair market price for something is what a person is willing to pay for it. What one considers to be of great value may not be of any interests to others. Life itself is of interest for all people. Yet the view of life differs dramatically between individuals. Most all of us guard our lives very closely, perhaps too close that we become self-absorbed and selfish. Many are concerned with this life only, the here and now, but there is a now and then to consider which is of greater value. What you discover in the ‘now’ will be of great value in the ‘then.’

Jesus, the teacher and the Son of God, describing the kingdom of Heaven says it, “is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (Mt.13:45-46 nlt) The Kingdom of Heaven is made up of those who have let go of everything important to them in this life and accepted the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The choice pearl of great value which is accepted now in this life results in eternal life when our earthly life is over.

Those of us who have found that choice pearl should take notice of Christ’s love for us as His choice pearl. Our Lord Jesus left the glories of heaven to come down to earth and sacrifice His life in order that we may have eternal life with Him. Jesus paid the ultimate ‘high price’ by His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. He considered us as of great value to die and rise again to redeem us. Have you discovered that choice pearl, that great value of Salvation, by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savoir? Don’t miss the opportunity to discover that Great Value ‘now’ for it will be too late ‘then.’ Make sure you are part of the Kingdom of Heaven by discovering great value.

Devotionals

Remorse or Repentance

October 10, 2024October 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse.” Matthew 27:3a NLT

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘remorse’ as “a torturing sense of guilt for one’s actions.” If a picture could be included as an example under the description, we would find Judas’ likeness as the one who betrayed Jesus selling Him out for thirty pieces of silver. Scripture tells us it was after Judas realized that Jesus had been condemned to die that he was remorseful. We don’t know what was in Judas’ mind as he made the deal to turn Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, but perhaps he didn’t think it through whatever his reasoning. Dr. Charles Ryrie suggests, “Perhaps Judas had only wanted to force Jesus to do something to confound His enemies, not to get Himself condemned.” (1) Judas indeed had a torturing sense of guilt. It did not turn out as he had planned. He felt remorse, but was there repentance?

‘Repentance’ in Webster’s New World Dictionary is, “to feel such regret over an action as to change one’s mind about.” I don’t think Judas’ picture would be on display in this case. In a sense, Judas did change his mind about the money, throwing it back into the temple, but his intent to make a point or whatever else his motives were, were still in tack. He did not change his mind about Jesus but felt remorse that his betrayal had gone badly.

On a much smaller scale, when the consequences of our sins become known causing hurt and heartache to others, do we repent and change our actions and our way of thinking or are we tortured by a sea of guilt? Remorse is regretting the action due to the outcome. Repentance is asking for forgiveness and changing our minds about that sin, so it does not occur again. So as Christians may we realize being sorry is not enough and change our ways that brought about that sin. There will be a lot less heartache and a lot more love for one another.

(1) The Ryrie Study Bible

Read: Matthew 27:3-10 NLT – When Judas, who had betrayed him, – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Grace in Our Time of Need

October 9, 2024October 8, 2024 Loring Schultz

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7 ESV

Defining ‘grace’ among different individuals will give you several answers varying slightly from one another. My favorite is ‘God’s unmerited favor bestowed upon us.’ None of us deserves the blessings and favor God gives to us. But as believers in Christ, a special gift of grace is given to us by God. It’s not given because we earned it and it’s not a reward for something we accomplished. It is God’s gift of grace to all those who has accepted His Son Jesus as their personal savior.

Paul says in Ephesians 4:7, “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (esv) Paul saw this grace that was imparted to him was for service in preaching the gospel. “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.” (Eph.3:7 esv) Understanding that he was undeserving to preach the gospel, it was by God’s gift to Paul that he was able to do so. He was given enough grace needed ‘according to the measure of Christ’s gift’ which is immeasurable.

How does this apply to Christians today? First, if you are saved you have been given the gift of grace to accomplish all that God wants you to do, in Paul’s case it was preaching. Second, whatever situation you are in, no matter the circumstances, God will give you the grace you need at the time you need it. No more, no less. His grace is immeasurable. Those who need a lot, get a lot. Those who need little get little, but all get what they need. Third, remember we do not deserve God’s grace, but He gives it to us because we are His children.

Remember this day and every day, the Lord will bestow His unmerited favor on us in our time of need. It’s called God’s grace and it’s immeasurable.

Devotionals

Discipleship: my cross to bear

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me……For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:25 ESV

I am sure you have heard someone say amid suffering either through sickness, limited ability, or family struggles that this is ‘My cross to bear.’ Most of the time it is said with an ounce of acceptance, but not always. There are those who feel that everyone goes through life bearing at least one cross of affliction. That same saying today is carried over from Jesus’s words in the New Testament spoken on more than occasion when He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt.16:24 esv) For the Christian, taking up your cross involves much more than dealing with some sort of affliction.

Taking up your cross is not denying yourself certain pleasures in this life. It is a total commitment of your life to Jesus. The apostle Paul equates himself as being crucified with Christ. His old self is dead. He cannot deny or give up anything that is dead. His life is now lived in Christ. Paul is telling us not only to deny ourselves but to die to ourselves. Jesus tells us we are to lose our lives for Him and we will find it. We will find eternal life in the future and a fuller life in the present by not succumbing to the pleasures of sin in the world and lose our soul.

Jesus is looking for totally committed followers to be His disciples. Twelve disciples followed Jesus during His ministry on earth being totally committed. They were His students learning from Him as he taught them. Jesus was preparing them to take the gospel across the world to all people. It’s time for all Christians to be true followers of Jesus learning from His teaching through His Word, and be true disciples totally committed, which is ‘our cross to bear.’

Devotionals

Call on the Lord from Your Heart

October 7, 2024October 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5 NIV

How often do you call on the Lord? How often do you pray? Calling on the Lord is the same as praying to the Lord. There is a tendency to consider ‘calling’ on the Lord differently. We may think of ‘calling’ as more of a forceful, desperate cry as compared to a silent prayer and that would be true. But you are still talking to God about your troubles. Prayers with a little more emphasis include more than words from your lips but from your heart.

The Old Testament Psalm 86 was written by King David as a prayer for God’s help when being attacked by his enemies. You can be sure David’s words were not completely silent. Even if they were, his heart and soul would have been bursting for God’s intervention. David pleas for God to hear him, answer him, guard his life, save him, have mercy on him, and bring him joy. He writes, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Ps.86:5 niv) David also knew any sin in his life would be forgiven, that God is good, and loves all who call on Him.

An important first step in prayer is to confess our sins asking for forgiveness. (1Jn.1:9) We praise Him acknowledging who He is and pray for His will to be done for what we are about to ask Him. We can tell the Lord our troubles praying from the depths of our hearts, as David did, being confident His answer is surrounded by His love for us. “Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” (Ps.86:6-7 niv) So, whether your prayer is loud and forceful or in complete silence, always call on the Lord from your heart.

Read: Psalm 86 NIV – A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, and – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Discerning” Godly leadership: the book of Nehemiah

October 6, 2024October 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:11-12 NLT

There are many fine people put into leadership due to a certain skill, high academic scores, a knowledge of the business, organization, or government department, or possess a charismatic personality. But one thing they lack is a discerning spirit. Having good judgement, being perceptive, seeking out facts, being discriminate and determined is vital in assuming a leadership role. Any company, organization, or government department that is failing or not able to get off the ground, you will find one or more of these ‘discerning’ qualities missing in the leadership.

We’re focusing on Godly Leadership in our weekly study of Nehemiah. Week one we noted godly leaders have a life of prayer, and last week we saw the importance of being prepared. This week we will see how Nehemiah’s discernment helped him to prepare for the task in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We start where we left off last week which is really the key to all of Nehemiah’s success, ‘the gracious hand of God was upon him.’

Nehemiah received the approval from King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem and start the project of restoring the city beginning with rebuilding the walls. He was given a military escort as Nehemiah was an official in the king’s court and was doing the king’s business. The king also supplied letters to be given to the governors of the region explaining Nehemiah’s mission. The Lord had moved the king’s heart to be sympathetic towards Nehemiah and his people, the Jews living in Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes arranged safe passage and for the materials needed to do the work. Christians today need to be reminded that the same Lord can move the hearts of our Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other leaders across the world to be sympathetic towards Christians and the mission of the gospel if we pray for the good hand of the Lord to be upon us.

So, Nehemiah arrived safely in the region and presented the king’s letters to the governing authorities who were not very pleased with the news. “But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (Neh.2:10 nlt) Sanballat, whose ancestors had governed over Samaria for over 100 years felt threatened that his rule might end. Tobiah, governor of Ammon, who ruled east of the Jordan felt the same way. Nehemiah had opposition at the very beginning of the task the Lord had called him to do. You can be sure when God calls you to a special assignment for Him there will be opposition. The evil one will do all he can to discourage you from the beginning, but that is confirmation it is work the Lord wants you to do. Pray for the Lord’s good hand upon you.

Nehemiah was aware what was ahead of him in more ways than one. His immediate concern was coming up with a strategy for where to begin and how to inform the people and elders in Jerusalem of his plans. It’s interesting Nehemiah didn’t immediately go into the city and declare his intentions. In fact, when he did arrive, he stayed put for three days before doing anything. Then he went out in the darkness of night to survey what was before him. “I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” (Neh.2:12 nlt) Nehemiah was carefully assessing the situation with great discernment. At this point, the fewer people that knew about his plans the better, especially with the early opposition he had already received.

After surveying the damage and seeing how defenseless the city was, Nehemiah was now ready to speak to the people about his intentions. “But now I said to them, ‘You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!’” (Neh.2:17 nlt) The city was in its current state of ruins for over 150 years. It’s apparent the people, even the elders, grew complacent with their surroundings. One commentator noted that it took someone from the outside to wake them up. We at times get comfortable where we are at, not realizing that our defenses, our walls of protection are broken down allowing easy access for sin to enter our lives. There are times when we all need a wake-up call.

Nehemiah confided in them how the Lord’s hand was upon him and how He moved the heart the king to let him go providing safe passage and materials to begin the work. The people were encouraged when they heard of God’s protection on Nehemiah and how He moved the king’s heart to act on their behalf. They were excited to start the work, finally realizing how vulnerable they had been to being attacked with no walls of protection. “They replied at once, ‘Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!’ So they began the good work.” (Neh.2:18b nlt)

Of course, the opposition continued with another ruler, Geshem of Northwest Arabia, joining Sanballat and Tobia. Nehemiah was now surrounded by enemies on the North, East, and South. But the good hand of the Lord was on Nehemiah, and he knew it. Nehemiah had asked God for success in approaching the king on what he was inspired to do, and the Lord answered. Nehemiah was confident God will continue to protect him, the workers, and the work of rebuilding the walls.

Godly leaders are discerning in any decision they make, large or small. They do not jump in headfirst, no matter what their experience, talent, or education tells them. They are careful to ensure all the bases are covered and every option is thought through, and that the good hand of the Lord is upon them.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplas

Read: Nehemiah 2:9-20 NLT – When I came to the governors of the – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The One and Only Fact Checker with the Truth

October 5, 2024October 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.” Isaiah 59:14-15 NLT

“For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” 2 Samuel 7:28 NLT

What is your source to find honest reporting of the news? Where do you go to verify the news you have heard to be true? The radio airwaves, television networks, cable news channels, and all streaming devices have been spreading news about the U.S. Presidential election for months and will continue to do so for the next 31 days. Again, where do you go to verify what you have heard? Most of us will go to the news source we trust the most, and that is usually in line with our political biases. But can we be sure that our most trusted news networks are always telling us the truth. The truth is, no pun intended, the answer is no.

So, to be fair and balanced as we say, a fact checker system has been put in place to fact check news stories and political candidate’s statements. But, here again, can we trust the fact checker? Is the fact checker neutral? From what source are they retrieving the information they are using to verify a statement, and is it in the proper context? I’m afraid most fact checkers are not worth their weight in salt. So, where do we turn to find out if a candidate seeking political office is telling the truth or not? There is only one fact checker who will always tell us the truth, the God of heaven through His Word.

Now, before you stop reading this piece, I understand Scripture does not address current issues of our day directly, but they do have a lot to say about integrity, telling the truth, being a false witness, bribery, showing favoritism, honest wages and business practices, and the overall role of government to provide security and safety for the people.

When a candidate makes pledges and announces policies for their administration if elected, our job is to do our own fact checking and see how this lines up with Scripture. Is what they propose truthful and a goal that can be achieved fairly for all citizens? Do any of their polices violate God’s Laws found in Scripture? Many candidates quote the Bible during campaign speeches. Christians must determine if they are quoting correctly and is it in the right context with the whole of Scripture or are they trying to make a point that is contrary to God’s standards? Sadly, in today’s environment candidates will do or say just about anything to ensure a victory on election night.

The prophet Isaiah’s words ring true for the current conditions of the United States in 2024, “Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who announces evil is attacked” (Is.59:14b-15a nlt) But Samuel tells us, “For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” (2Sam.7:28 nlt) We have a source we can turn to for the truth in this age of lies, falsehoods, and misinformation. It is the Lord God Himself through the words of Scripture. The one and only fact checker with the truth.

Devotionals

Standing Before Pilate

October 4, 2024October 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

‘“Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?’ Pilate demanded.” Matthew 27:13 NLT

“But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11 NLT

When Jesus was finally brought before Pilate the second time after the various trials in front of the Jewish rulers and an appearance before Herod, He was all but officially condemned. Pilate was amazed by Jesus’ non-response to the charges against Him from the chief priests and the elders saying, “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” (Mt.27:13 nlt) Jesus did confirm He was the king of the Jews when Pilate had asked Him earlier. But he would not indulge His enemies in answering the false claims put forth from them.

Jesus’ enemies would do and say anything to condemn Him, and they had up to that point. They got Jesus in front of the one who had the authority to sentence Him to death. Jesus stood before Pilate in silence to the charges against Him, but He did speak with Him as recorded in the gospel of John chapters 18 and 19. Jesus did acknowledge He was a king, but His kingdom was not of this world, and told Pilate he would have no authority over Him if it wasn’t granted to him from the Father. Jesus spoke the truth from God’s Word and put Himself in His Fathers hands.

Christians today can follow Jesus’ example when facing persecution by speaking the truth of God’s Word and relying on God in our time of need. There are all kinds of persecution in the world today. Most Christians are not facing life or death threats for their faith in Christ, but many are. Christians in the western part of the world are only starting to feel increased pressure to deny their faith as the culture is saturated with anti-God sentiment. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 13:11, “But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (nlt)

False charges will be brought against us as Christians according to the anti-God legislation on the books, but they will be true according to Scripture. Testifying that Jesus is the Christ the only way of salvation and completely obeying His Word will need no answer. We just need to stand and wait for the Holy Spirit to speak through us. So, will we the church, be ready when we hear the charges brought against us and stand before the Pilates of our day?

Read: Matthew 27:11-14 NLT – Jesus’ Trial before Pilate – Now – Bible Gateway