July 26, 2021

Bob Maas
“But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. ‘What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked them. ‘Crucify him!’ they shouted. ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”
Mark 15:11-15
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

Whenever I question God’s ability to make something good come out of evil, all I have to do is look at the absurdity of the religious leaders inciting the people to turn on Jesus and then observe how it all turned out. Jesus’ confidence in his Heavenly Father was so strong that he submitted to the people who crucified him. He committed no sin; no deceit was found in his mouth. His guilt was that he wouldn’t back down from the truth and deny that he was the Son of God. And in all the turmoil and chaos, Jesus simply entrusted himself to Him who judges justly. This is the model of absolute trust. And this is how we have been called to live our lives, entrusting ourselves to the one who judges justly. There is only one who is worthy of that trust, and that is God. So, for me, the big question is, “Why do I have such a big problem trusting Him?” The more that I trust Him and get out of His way, the more content I am in the present moment and the less I need to be in control. The benefit is living continually in His peace and joy. Lord, help me to trust you more.