Beware of the Pilate’s Spirit

Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, October 1, 2021

Today’s Text: Matthew 27:11-31

Key Verses: Matthew 27:24 (NIV): “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

We can not be exactly sure of what exactly happened to Pilate when he encountered Jewish; but we were sure he had an opportunity to be face to face with Him, and find the answer to his lifelong question: “what is truth!” In Jesus' day, Judea was under the governance of Rome, and he was their procurator. He served emperor Tiberius from AD 26 to 36, managing the military, finances, and judicial operations of the Jews. However, it is unfortunate that he so let the complexities of Judean politics becloud his spiritual insight and encounter. The fear of men and the bud to be extra careful with political ambitions made Pilate hypocritical. He feared the people; pretended his intentions, yet in the end, he failed to provide the stability needed in his region. His weakness and vulnerability was a factor in how he handled Jesus's trial as a leader who does not have got to lead. He encountered truth, yet pitched tent with falsehood; and failed justice for the fear of men.

Pilate did what was best for himself like today’s rulers of our synagogues and heads of churches do. Like Judea was under the governance of Pilate, nations, and people are under the leadership of many spiritual procurators today, who for the fear of men are busy in public washing of hands. If you are like Pilate, you are always a man-pleaser. An extra-biblical account has it that Pilate, trying to please emperor Tiberius placed his (the emperor’s) image in front of the temple in Jerusalem. An act that provoked the Jews and led to a revolt. And though Pilate threatened to execute protestors; they were defiant and willing to die rather than back down. If you are a leader like Pilate, you are the one to always back down. He eventually removed the statue. Don’t be another Pilate. Don’t wash off and run. Face the truth. Deliver justice. Speak for the oppressed. If you can’t or won’t, you’re possessed by Pilate’s spirit.

Quote for the Day: The gospel has no allowance for double standards: You are either saved or lost; hot or cold; God’s or mammon’s; and yea or nay.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, please teach me to walk in spirit and truth, so that my service to You may be a sweet savor, and an aroma of grace to my world. So that I, by this may glorify my Father Who is in heaven, in Jesus' name. Amen.

I wish you a very happy new month with all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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