Pilate therefore said to him, Arent you speaking to me? Dont you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you? Jesus answered, You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin. John 19:10 WEB
Beaten and bloody, wearing a purple robe and a crown made out of thorns, Jesus quietly listened to Pilate. When He did not answer Pilates question, he began to tell Jesus about his authority to set Him free or to crucify Him. Jesus told Pilate that he would have no authority over Him at all unless it had been given to him from above.
Jesus recognized where He was and that this was no accident. No man had authority over Him unless it had been given to them from above. No one could take His life from Him unless His Father in heaven allowed it. The humble King of Kings submitted to His Fathers will, not theirs, and endured the cross.
When Job went through his trial, satan had to get permission from God first before he could touch him. Job was a righteous man and God had placed a hedge of protection around him, his house, and all that he had (Job 1:10). How much more so for Jesus.
The ones in authority over you today are allowed to be there by God. No one can touch or lay a hand on you without your Fathers permission to do so. I know things happen that we do not understand, but it is because we cannot see the whole picture as He can. Until the Lord tells you otherwise, submit to those in leadership over you for they would not be there without His permission.
Prayer: Father, help me to see Your hand on my life. Give me a clear vision of Your will for me and the grace to accomplish it, in the name of Jesus.
Note: In a message the other day ("Avoiding Vaccination"), there was a line about "once saved, always saved" that generated some questions and disagreements. To properly address the subject, we have set up a teaching here (http://www.refreshinghope.org/blogs/1/320/once-saved-always-saved). We pray that it will answer the questions, and welcome any additional comments or feedback!
Tip: You must be logged into the website to leave comments.