What Voice Prevails with You?

As Easter approaches and we are all facing perhaps our first Easter apart from family and friends, I am refreshing my view of Jesus' sacrafice on the cross for me.

An interesting person in the story of the crucifixion of Jesus is Pilate. As a man, he doesn't appear to have any strong convictions of his own, and seems to be a people please and ladder-climber. We see this in Luke 23, when after his examination of Jesus we hear him say "I find nothing wrong with this man" (v.4) In his heart, Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty of any crime and not deserving death. However, we see the verse just a little later that has been rattling around in my brain lately. When Pilate tells the people twice that he can find no fault in Jesus, we see that "the mob shouted louder and louder demanding that Jesus be crucified"(Luke 23:23). Now you need to take some time and picture this. Pilate would have likely been standing at a safe, possibly elevated distance from the crowds of people. He was never in any personal danger, and yet, when the mob begins to chant, and it grows louder and more demanding we read these words being said of Pilate "and their voices prevailed" Pilate relented to the loud voices of the people and Jesus was crucified.

Now my question is this - What voice is prevailing with you today?

As we march along in week 3 of social isolation many people are hearing the voice of fear. Fear of getting sick, fear of dying, fear of losing a loved one, fear of financial ruin. Other people may be hearing the voice of condemnation. Are you doing enough for your child's education right now? Maybe you see on social media the Mom who appears to be excelling during this time. She is able to accomplish so much and some days it is all you can do to get everyone up, dressed, and dinner on the table at night.

We all have voices in our head, loudly and persistently proclaiming our shortcomings, fears and failures. I want you to know that whatever voice you are hearing loudly at this moment, if it isn't God's voice of love, grace and personal invitation to you then you need to silence it.

Come away with me to Matthew 11:28-30...

Then Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Take some time today to listen to his voice and let it quiet your soul and mind.