Loud Shouts

“But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.” (Luke 23:23)

The Bible reveals an evil of mobs and protests. While the Constitution preserves the right to present our grievances against governors and speak freely, including criticism, it should not blind us to the truth. “What is truth,” as Pilate remarked to Jesus. The Roman’s were secular, asserting their Caesar was divine. The truth is that mob rule is wicked and has been proven so down through history. On occasion various groups of elected officials and jurors have succumbed to a mob rule. The wrath and anger of men does not carryout the will of God. (James 1:20) “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

We are seeing angry, sometimes violent, protestors filling streets and angry politicians hurling insults. Many of these “protests” are funded and organized with paid protestors brought in from outside. These are political demonstrations, rather than merely citizens voicing dissent. This is one means of billionaires using money for political purposes. This is not democracy in a pure sense, but its distortion. The mob is not interested in justice, only vengeance. When those who promote violence and force to achieve their ends claim they have a morale or righteous cause you can be certain they have nothing to do with righteousness or democracy.

The righteousness of God is carried out through submission and surrender to His will and purposes. Jesus did this through sacrifice in the highest illustration and purpose of all history. “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”” (Matthew 27:24-25) In prophetic irony the mob’s cry was fulfilled, those who rejected their Messiah receive condemnation and those who accepted Him will be cleansed by His blood sacrifice. The same is true for everyone today.

No government of men is perfect, but God uses it for His purposes to punish evil doers and protect the innocent. (Rom. 13:1-5) The Founders and Constitution divided power and limited Government to guard against tyranny, mob rule, and subversion of equality by the rich and powerful. Pilate was an evil ruler because he abdicated his authority in the face of truth. Beware the rule of anger.