Day 229 “Sometimes the best defense is no offense.”

Day 229 Matthew 27:11-13 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. The primary accusation against Jesus by the chief priest and elders was His proclamation as “King of the Jews” or messiah, an issue that truly was of no consequence to the Roman rulers. Their only issue would have been if Jesus were leading a revolt or had political aspirations that would threaten Roman rule. The reality was that Pilate marveled at Jesus for His strength, conviction, and lack of hostility in the midst of what was obviously a trumped up charge with dire consequences. In the face of certain death and obviously innocent of all charges, Jesus offered no defense. He knew this had to be done, and He had willed and purposed to walk with as much dignity and honor as He physically was able to. In recent days, I have been sharing stories of my past in order that I might stir within others similar instances in their own lives or in lives of those they have known. In some cases, it may even be what some are going through or will be in the future. Either way, the intent is always to assist and help others but never to complain about past injustices; quite honestly, that is not how I would see them. You see, what we go through and the lessons we learn, they are what make us who we are. If we keep them to ourselves, they benefit us and others by our actions, yet if we can share the stories of how we have been blessed, then possibly others can weather their storms with more ease and peace. For some of you out there, you have been convicted of crimes, injustices, or actions that you have not committed. How did you handle them? Was your approach one that cast doubt on everyone else or was yours one that allowed the will of God and your faith in Him to be the focus? No one wants to be convicted of things they are innocent of, yet how easily we forget about those things we should have been convicted of and that the mercy of God has allowed us grace. None of us could fully pay the price for our mistakes. It is impossible to do so and, thankfully, God does not require that we do. So, maybe the next time you feel like you are being unjustly accused, it would be beneficial to ask God how He would have you react and then take it from there. It may be that He just wants a little help to fulfill His will for someone else, or yes maybe even you. Daily Prayer: Father, may we not be so quick to defend ourselves when wrongly accused and more apt to seek your will in every situation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. “Sometimes the best defense is no offense.” Gene Burroughs Pastor