As you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him. But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, Crucify him! Crucify him! (Luke 23:15b-21)
Throughout my life I’ve been angry with God many times. Where was God during the mental abuse of my ex or the bullying of my childhood? I was too sad or angry to feel His love, and I didn’t seek it. If I had, I would’ve felt Him crying with me. When we don’t seek God, He keeps himself hidden from us.
Although Jesus is front and center in this story, the crowd turned from Him. When we no longer seek Him, He becomes silent to give us free choice. A week ago this crowd loved Him. They laid a red carpet of palm leaves as He entered Jerusalem. But He stopped teaching, performing miracles, and casting out the enemy. As He stood bound and silent in front of them, He seemed powerless. The crowd wanted Him to free them from the Romans, but He didn’t, so they chose Barabbas. How often do we turn from Jesus when He doesn’t do what we want?
Dearest Father in Heaven, I’m seeking You this morning. Please remove Your veil of silence and let me feel Your arm around my shoulders. As I enjoy Your peace, fill me with the Power of the Holy Spirit to guard my heart, help others, and learn as I walk to the cross with Jesus. I pray in His precious and holy name, amen.
Love your prayer, Jody. I have been angry with God many times. I wonder how many times I have said, “How could you let this happen.” I love your statement, “When we don’t seek God, he keeps himself hidden from us. It is true. I am thinking of a young woman this morning who most likely is thinking, “How could He let this happen to me?” I am praying very hard for her and will continue to do so.
Thank you. That young woman did say, “Where is God in all this?” I told her He was sitting right beside her crying with her. I remind her to pray. She is a believer.
Very nice article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thx 🙂
Sorry, no. Thank you for your encouragement and coming to my website. I hope you have responded to Jesus’ invitation to be your savior and hope you know how long and wide and high and deep his love is for you. I prayed for you today. Blessings, Jody