Monday, November 18

Luke 23:23-24
But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. 
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In leadership, it is important to listen to the people.  It is also important for cooler minds, wiser hearts to prevail when at times the mob is swayed. Pilate wanted to keep the peace at all costs. Leaders who seek only to watch the polls and give people what they want will toss and turn in the night with a self-identity of a doormat or silly putty.  When we get what we want and realize it isn't what we needed, we can point to the failure of leadership.  When Christ was sent to the cross to die, Pilate was to blame. Herod was to blame.  The Roman Government was to blame. The Jewish rulers were to blame. The mob was to blame.  The disciples were to blame.  The blessings and the benefits of the Cross of Christ Crucified is utterly lost on the blameless.  Those who wrestle with their own souls in the middle of the night are closer to the Kingdom of God than those who push back on their own accountability. 
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Holy God, forgive me.  Amen.