John 19:7-11
Today we read Jesus' last words to Pilate. To set the stage, Jesus had been arrested, tried, found innocent yet was flogged, and is now on the verge of being sentenced to death or released. Pilate is visibly upset at hearing the real charges the Chief Priests are bringing against Jesus, "We have a law," they said, "and according to that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God." (John 19:7)
The ball was now in Pilate's court, and he had to make a judgment. He chose to take Jesus inside and question him one more time. At first Jesus refuses to speak to him. Then in response to Pilate's question, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." (John 19:10-11) This is the focus of today's devotion. God gave Pilate the authority.
Do you recall Daniel's interpretation of the Babylonian King's dream. He said, "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." (Daniel 4:25) We know, based on the whole of scripture, that the cross was God's idea. It was his plan to redeem us from having to pay for our sin. He had already chosen to purchase us with his blood from the very beginning and set things in motion to do so. Pilate was not acting alone. In fact, Jesus said this was the very reason he came to earth, "to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
God is sovereign over our lives. He does have a purpose for your life. He has given you a platform. He has given you relationships with people who need him. He has given you authority to chose and act according to his word or not. So what will it be? What will you chose?
Today as an act of worship praise God for his amazing grace. Thank him for the cross. Thank him for being sovereign over the kingdoms of men. Thank him for giving you the influence and authority you possess. Now go and leverage all that you have to bring glory to his grace.
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