LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 27:16, 21, And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. (21) The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

 

Did you take the time to think about your choices between Barabbas and Jesus, your choice between good and evil? Having to consider our choices might be difficult because we usually do not think about the consequences of our choices. Yet, we must in order to grow closer in likeness to Jesus Christ. I want to get you to consider a little different aspect of choices between choosing Barabbas and Jesus.

 

Have you caught yourself thinking that you never thought you would live to see the things happening in this country and around the world? I have. You and I are being forced to see evil growing and being forced upon us in ways I never imagined. Evil is no longer hiding itself; it is blatant, in your face type of stuff. Because of that, let me be blunt. You and I are being faced with choosing between Barabbas and Jesus, evil and good on not only a personal level but in all levels of society and government. You are able to see the evil and lies that have filtered down into our educational system. Each of us has the responsibility to discern at the spiritual level between what is evil and what is good. Then, we must decide what to do with that discernment.

 

Evil is growing stronger and stronger because of the deception of false teachers and lies spoken to us at every level of society. People are too willing to believe everything they hear and, in the process, personal freedoms are being taken away. The question that must be answered is when are God’s people going to speak up against evil? How often have you heard this or that person, and their followers being compared to Nazi Germany and its leaders? Don’t forget that the reason evil came to power in that time was because “good” people did not speak up. Each day, or at each election, when evil is chosen over good, evil becomes stronger. We must not be like the “mob” who chose Barabbas instead of Jesus. We must not allow those who desire evil, those on the broad way to destruction drown out the voices choosing Jesus!

 

Will you allow me to move to a different direction as this is concluded? The story of Barabbas being set free from condemnation and death is really your story and my story. He faced death because of evil actions; you and I faced death, eternal separation from God, because of our bondage to sin. Jesus took the place of Barabbas and he was set free.  The Bible and history do not tell us what happened to Barabbas after his release. So understand that he was set free from the crucifixion he deserved. But you and I know we stood guilty before God because of our sinfulness. Each of us came face to face with the Savior and had to make a choice between Barabbas and Jesus, the broad way or the narrow way. It was not because of anything we had done to deserve it, no influence of our own. We had to decide to believe that He came to die in our place. He chose to take upon Himself the punishment we deserved. When we chose to be saved and changed by Him, we walked away from all condemnation.

 

So, the choice is for each of everyday, Barabbas or Jesus? It is a choice that this country must decide as well! I pray we choose Jesus.