Devotions: Ultimate Authority

 

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me at all, if it had not been given to you from above; for this reason the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.”

John 19:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

Pilate was the ruler in Israel, second only to Caesar, and he held Jesus’ life in his hands. He had the power to decide whether to release or kill Him. Yet Jesus made it clear that God still had ultimate authority and control, and Pilate only had that authority because God had given it to him. He was only able to do what he did, and execute the judgment he made, because it was God’s plan. If God didn’t want Jesus to be killed, He would have stopped it. There are several times in the Gospels where the mob came after Jesus to kill Him but He miraculously escaped. No matter what men do, no matter what evil plans are carried out, we have to remember that God has ultimate control and authority. He also has the ability to redeem any sin or wrongdoing and make it into something good.

The second part of this verse refers to the Pharisees. They were experts on the Bible; they should have known who Jesus was. I believe they did know, but did not want to submit to God. They wanted to maintain control. In a sense, Jesus was excusing Pilate’s sin because the Pharisees’ was worse. Pilate was a pawn. This should give us great comfort because it proves that God is in control. Even when bad men have their way, He is still in control. He is working everything according to His GOOD plan that cannot be thwarted. We can have peace knowing that He is the ultimate King and authority. It should also give us comfort knowing that He can redeem, not only Pilate’s sin, but also ours. We are not perfect. We mess up and give in to sin. Yet God can redeem the mistakes we make and turn them into something beautiful if we will surrender them to Him and submit to His will and Lordship.

No matter what happens we can trust and have peace. Are you worried about what is happening? Are you concerned that evil will get the upper hand? Ask God to comfort you. Ask Him to help you rest in the knowledge of His sovereignty and love. Submit yourself to His plan.

 

 

 

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