"If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend." Such was the cry of the Jewish leaders to hesitating Pilate. He wanted to release the Son of God and they knew it. But he wanted more than all to have the favor of the Roman Emperor. Was he to be the friend of Christ or the friend of Caesar? He chose Caesar and gave up the Saviour to be crucified. Caesar stood for the world of power and splendor, and Pilate wished to be popular and to be acceptable to the head of the nation. In gross injustice he gave the Son of God into wicked hands to be murdered.

Was that the moment which settled Pilate's eternity? It would appear so. He hung in the balance. His heart was a battle plain. Which way would he go? What would his decision be? He made his decision—a wrong one—and went down the way of destruction, and at length—so history tells us—died a suicide's death when in disgrace with the Emperor.

He sold his soul for what?—popularity—for the false smile of a doomed world.

And, what about YOU? It may be that as you read this your soul is in the balance. Christ has been preached, His claims have been presented before you. Shall I take sides with Him? Will you own Him as your Lord? Or will you keep what you can of the world and seek its honors and favors? Will you be Christ's friend or the friend of the world? YOUR ETERNITY depends on your choice. Choose aright. Choose NOW!

Friend of Caesar or friend of Jesus, which is it? It cannot be both.

—Selected