Say Something, I Dare You!
November 18, 2020·Brian Majors
“The Jewish leaders insisted, ‘We have a law, and according to that law He must die, because He claimed to be the Son of God.’ When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. ‘Where do you come from?’ he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. ‘Do You refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said. ‘Don’t You realize I have power either to free You or to crucify You?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore, the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’”
— John 19:7-11 (NIV)
Growing up, I saw my fair share of fights in school, and usually, before arms went flying everywhere, there was one person saying, “say something, I dare you,” with their fist clinched, getting ready to hit the other person.
In the Gospels, it’s clear, Jesus was no softy. He was tough, with gentleness and humility. This man was in the midst of an earthly authority and said nothing, but even in saying nothing, He showed no sign of weakness! He ignored every question from Pilate, EXCEPT, when His Father’s authority was put to the test.
I can’t speak for you, but for me there have been countless times in my life where our accuser (Satan) has caused me to question my identity in Jesus Christ. And, at times, I’ve sat in silence, accepting the lies. But no more.
I seek to be like Jesus, having wisdom to be silent when it’s necessary but speak out when God’s authority over my life comes under scrutiny by our accuser. In the words of gospel artist Jekalyn Carr, “Anytime the devil tells me I’m not something, I always say ‘I am that.’ Anytime the devil tells me I am something, I always say ‘I’m not that.”
Here’s a word for those in Christ… you are more than a conqueror, because Jesus already conquered the grave, the battle has already been won. The old person has been stripped away, and you’ve been given new life in Christ. This is a mash up of different scriptures, but encouragement to our souls.
I pray we will intentionally combat the accuser’s lies with God’s truth, seek the Lord’s wisdom and allow the Holy Spirit to give us direction and confidence, not in earthly authority, but in God’s matchless authority.
As Satan works overtime, seeking to tear down the saints from the inside out, we must be vigilant in pursuit of God’s truth and recognize we are all in this fight together. Our God is victorious!
Pastor Brian Majors
