Satisfying the Multitude

This month found me reading and re-reading events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As Mark records the incident of Jesus on trial before Pilate, he writes these troubling words. “Wishing to satisfy the multitude, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15, NASB)  Or, as the New King James Version states, Pilate wanted to “gratify the crowd.” 

And we know how that turned out!

Satisfying the demands of the multitude sometimes leads to devastating consequences.

And this made me wonder if there have been times I’ve gone against conviction to “satisfy” or “gratify” the demands of others.

And if so, why?  

     Because it’s easier?  

     Because being one voice can feel ineffective, even frightening, against other strident                        dissenting voices? 

     Because it may cost me something to go against the crowd?

     Because standing up for truth is becoming increasingly unpopular?

In today’s cultural climate it is not always easy to be one voice.

When the world calls right wrong and wrong right,

When conviction is viewed as intolerance and bigotry,

When truth is labeled hate-speech – it may be easier to “gratify the crowd.”

But – at what cost?

In the case of Jesus before Pilate, we know God had it covered.

That God’s will and mission will not be thwarted.

But we have to live with our choices and the words we speak or don’t speak.

May God give us courage to stand up for right even when it goes against the crowd. And to make the choices that point others to the Savior of the world. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

 Psalm 19:14