Devotion for Friday, July 24, 2026

“But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!”  Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified” (Mark 15:14-15).

Mob rule is the playground of evil.  When people are not thinking and are driven by a mob, they will side with whatever the politics of the moment are.  Worse, later crowds will mimic the crowd and continue the evil by persecuting others in the name of what a mob did.  The Jews killed Jesus, the Pilgrims killed supposed witches, and the Germans killed the Jews.  History is filled with such wickedness.  Salvation brings you into a righteous mind.

Heavenly Father, I have been guilty of being carried away with mobs.  I am hammered all day long with enticement to become a part of the crowd.  I do not know what or whom to trust.  Turn me from the world to You, for You have given me the words of everlasting life.  Help me to live humbly and trust what You have said above all the noise of this world.  Aid me to think things through, and even if I be the only one in a crowd who does so, keep me holding fast to the truth You have revealed.

Lord Jesus, You know how difficult it is in this world gone mad.  I am constantly pushed to get in line with the mind of the crowd, but there are often things that do not add up.  Help me to learn how to reason and think things through.  Help me to choose the path that You have revealed to be true so that I am not caught up in the insanity of this age.  Lead me to live a life that is true to You as best I can.  Amen.