"The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, the Roman Governor, 'Do not write, "The King of the Jews," but, "He said I am the King of the Jews."' Pilate answered, 'What I have written, I have written.'" -John 19:21–22 (NKJV)
"The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, the Roman Governor, 'Do not write, "The King of the Jews," but, "He said I am the King of the Jews."' Pilate answered, 'What I have written, I have written.'"
-John 19:21–22 (NKJV)
When asked, "Why do you believe in the white man's God?" by those who reject Christianity, many, if not most, Indigenous Christians may feel a level of discomfort. The long history of mistreatment of Native people by Euro-Americans, on many levels speaks for itself, and many still feel the psychological lashes of that brutal and unfortunate era.
In Native communities, Native Christians may find themselves being treated (subtly or outwardly) as traitors to their cultures. Witnessing-telling others about God and the sacrifice Jesus made for the redemption of all who believe in His divinity-can be especially difficult under such circumstances.
But, although Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor (an unbeliever as far as we know), was shouted down when he tried to save Jesus from the mob that called for His crucifixion, he stood his ground: "Why? What evil has He done?"
He pleaded to a crowd that was crying out for Jesus's death all the louder. Standing his ground, Pilate risked losing the support of the chief priests and possibly other Romans when he retorted, "What I have written, I have written."
When challenged by others when sharing our faith, we believers must stand as well!
Father God, in the Name of Jesus, I ask that You be with me in my moments of trial. Help me to hold on to Your promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. And having done all . . . stand.
Kiki BelMonte-Schaller is a member of the Cherokee Confederacy Tribe and has been a columnist for Intertribal Life newspaper, focusing on accomplished Indigenous/Native American women. She lives in South Florida with her husband, Jim.
This devotional is from Council Fire: Daily Devotionals from Indigenous Followers of Jesus, Vol. 3. You can get a whole year of these devotionals by contacing Intertribal Life (director@intertriballife.org) or using the order form on page 18. You can also listen to the devotionals at the new Council Fire podcast at councilfire365.org.
