THE PREVAILING VOICE

LUKE 23:20-24 NKJ 
20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” 
22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” 
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 

Pilate wanted to release Jesus.  He had examined Jesus and did not find any fault especially deserving of death.  Three times Pilate offered a compromise, and three times he was overruled.  But how?  Pilate was not under Jewish authority.  He had the power to pardon or kill, and history tells us he killed quite often.   

But there were other forces at play, especially the power of public opinion.   The voices of the men who wanted Jesus crucified became the prevailing voice with Pilate, and he gave in.   

Now we do understand that scripture regarding Jesus' death had to come to pass but how things happened then shines a light on how things can happen today.   

APPLICATION 

What is the prevailing voice in your life today?  Is it the voice of family, loved ones, co-workers, and friends?  Or is the prevailing voice found on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram?  Is the prevailing voice in your life a favorite news channel or website?  And why would it matter?  It matters immensely.   

If the prevailing voice in your life is God's word and the witness of the Holy Spirit, you are standing in a much more solid place.  But if the prevailing voice is something outside of that, social media or other people, you could make decisions that are just not right.   

Pilate went against what he knew in his heart was the right call because he listened to the wrong voices.   

You and I have the privilege of God's word and His Holy Spirit living in us to help us make the right call.  And right calls add up to a right life.   

PRAYER 

Dear Father, thank You that I am not alone in life.  You are with me and in me.  You enlighten me with Your world and Your spirit.  With Your voice prevailing, I can stay on the right track.