The Soldiers Took Charge Of Jesus

John 19:16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.

            Each of us has a group of friends we are close to. We may also have family members near and far.  And chances are that some one in our circle of friends and family is being influenced in an undesirable manner.  They may be following the promise of a false religion.  Earnestly following, yet completely misguided in their efforts to win salvation.  Their heart-felt efforts will be in vain.  Others may be in a bad friendship, relationship or marriage. Whether by choice, a skewed sense of loyalty, or through coercion they are led down a path not of their choosing.  Who we follow, is very important. And no less important is whom those that we know follow.  Matthew 24:23-24 Jesus himself gives ample warning of how we all can be led astray.  “Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There,’ don’t believe it. For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chose ones.”

            The deception may be subtle, or completely overt. The lure may be love, money, or a false hope in a dead end belief system. The end result unfortunately is death. We all die, the difference is what comes next. Death followed by resurrection, or death followed by separation from God.  Sorry to be blunt, but that is just how it is.  In the case of Christ, the soldiers took charge of Jesus and led him to Golgotha and we were saved.  In the case of our family members and friends, who is leading them and to what end?  If we are engaged in our family and friends lives, we should know without a doubt. If we are not, then we are missing a very important part of their lives. However we chose to become involved we have one very sure way of seeking help. The simple act of praying for our family and friends is so very important. And whether you share you prayer with those whom you are praying for is up to you. But, you should know that letting someone know that they are being prayed for can make a tremendous difference in their lives. It opens the door for the Holy Spirit to enter. It lets the other person know that you care. It also can give hope at a time when they may think they are alone and without hope.  Please pray. It does not have to be a complex long prayer, because God already knows what is needed. The great thing about prayer is that in prayer we acknowledge that God is God, and we are not.

Prayer: Lord we have friends and family members that are following the wrong path. We have people in our lives that feel they are alone in their sorrows and troubles. Some may be chasing a false god. We ask You to intercede in their lives. We ask that Your love would flow into their hearts and that their eyes would turn to Jesus. Help us Lord to see with Your eyes when our friends and family are in need. We ask this in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.