Choose a Side - Christ or Criminal?

With all that is going on in America today, you may be confused about which side is the right side. Attacks on Christian churches and symbols of Christianity may have you fearful of being next or angry at not only the culprits but the instigators, non-concerned news media, and slow action of officials as well.   You may wonder "how can this happen in a predominantly Christian country?  Consider the trials of Christ and Barabbas in Luke 23, one was found innocent and the other guilty.  However, due to the influence of a few religious leaders the crowd was encouraged to cry out against the innocent one and and for the release of the proven murderer and terrorist.  Instead of what was right, the government gave into the screaming crowd out of fear.  They did not wait to see if things would calm down or use their military or guards to prevent the feared insurrection.

"And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, 

if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; 

take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, 

but what thou wilt."  - Mark 14:35-36

In just this part of the story of Jesus, we know who we would choose to release - the innocent Jesus Christ of course.  As Christians, we should want to help the innocent.  We  should be able to trust our church leaders to not be mislead and mistaking be on the side of wrong.  To insure we take the side of Christ, we need to pray for proper direction and for the salvation of those who encourage or do wrong in this world. Christians need to stand for their religious rights and against forms of religion hate.  We also need to pray for both our church leaders and government leaders to make the correct choices. As Christians, we should be: resisting evil, standing against violence and destruction, upholding justice and the law.

Continuing through Luke 23, we find that Jesus is crucified along with two convicted criminals.  One continues to be evil until his earthly death. The other accepts Jesus Christ as innocent of sins and God's Son.  Because of this, Jesus forgives him and assure that man will also have a home in Heaven.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 (KJV)

As Christians, we know that Christ went to the cross to die for all sin.  Although the crowd at trial was in the wrong,  the leaders chose unwisely, and the circumstances in that story might have been different, it would not have changed God's plan of salvation.  Christ knew what would happen to Him and He was willing to suffer so all that call upon His name could be made clean from sin and be saved,  However, it does not mean we stand silent in the face of evil.  Instead, we pray for guidance; speak out when necessary; and do God's call to action in His will.