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The Convictions of the Lost
The Convictions of the Lost
The lost are convicted, too. Do not let anybody say they are not. Some of the strongest-held beliefs, some of the most fully-persuaded minds and some of the most determined hearts are attached to lost individuals. Even in the Bible, one finds deep rooted convictions in the heart of the lost sinner. If one wants to find a people wholly dedicated, he should take a trip into Noah's world (Genesis 6:5). If one wants to find a people completely set in a given pursuit, he should visit with King Solomon about the sons of men (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
Should we abhor or admire the lifestyle of the lost? Abhor, without any doubt or hesitation. That being said, there is something we can learn from everyone. In this case, it is conviction – just as we might learn from conviction and dedication of those in religious error (evangelism of the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses and total devotion from Muslims).
This statement, if it has ever been true, applies to the people who spread themselves around Pilate's judgment seat. Grounded in their hatred and jealousy of Jesus, the chief priests, the elders, and the persuaded multitude had as their singular focus the destruction of Jesus. They wanted Him gone, and any way they could do it they were willing to try. The rulers of the people had tried to ridicule, embarrass, trap, frustrate, tempt and discourage Him, but they had failed. One would think that, after three years of trying, they would have given up on their task. But, they were convicted. The mob who finally "got rid of Jesus" (actually, they fulfilled God's eternal plan for their and our salvation, and they did not foresee the resurrection) was a crowd we could learn a few lessons.
THEY WERE UNITED (Matthew 27:22). Pilate asked them what he should do with Jesus. All of them said, "Let Him be crucified." No dissension is recorded by Matthew. Together, they forced a governor to submit to their wishes. How unfortunate that they were united to do evil. When the righteous are united under the proper standard (Ephesians 4:13), "how good and how pleasant it is..." (Psalm 133:1). Think of the untold good Christ's disciples can do under the banner of brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1), outdone only by our love, devotion and obedience to the Lord (Hebrews 5:9).
THEY WERE DECISIVE (Matthew 27:21, 22). There were no long committee meetings. There were no endless business meetings. They did not vacillate in this moment of decision. Pilate knew who they wanted crucified and who they wanted released. Though iniquitous, their decision was most expedient for their stated goal. The Lord's church in most places does an adequate job of planning its local work. Alas, in some cases, their best laid plans get lost somewhere between the forming and fulfilling. No congregation wants to rashly enter any endeavor-whether it be picking up support of an extra missionary or the execution of a needed program or plan. Yet, at times, the church can be overcautious and ponderous in discharging their responsibilities. Surely God was thrilled at the decisive way the disciples in the early church mobilized, spread the gospel, and reached the lost. The book of Acts is the model of decisiveness for today's church.
THEY ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY (Mathew. 27:25). Pilate wanted to know who was going to take moral responsibility for killing the just Jesus (24). Seemingly without hesitation, "All the people...said, His blood be on us, and on our children." They collectively pointed the finger of guilt at themselves. Later, when Peter's Pentecost preaching pricked their hearts, in a different way they took responsibility for this heinous acts (Acts 2:36-37). Every person must take responsibility for his actions. Everyone must reap what he, individually, has sown (Galatians. 6:7-8). In the congregational setting, the eldership must accept responsibility for what goes on among its members. When congregations individually begin to accept responsibility for themselves, theretofore avoided subjects will again be addressed courageously and frequently by the pulpit, eldership, and classroom.
We do not admire those responsible for slaying the sinless Savior (the radicals that kill the innocent, or the propagators of false doctrine). They were (are) callous-hearted wretches darkened by the night of sin. They do, however, teach us the power of a united people ready and eager to stand accountable for what they decided to do. Churches will grow who follow God's blueprint for His kingdom with enthusiasm and conviction. Let us maintain our convictions in "well doing" (Galatians 6:9). --Edited
