John 19:11 - All Authority Is God Given And Ordained

SCRIPTURE:

Joh 19:11 MSG
(11) Jesus said, "You haven't a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That's why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault."


OBSERVATION:

Even though it seemed that everything was going to pieces... Jesus confidently let Pilate know that all was according to plan.
In fact Jesus went so far as to tell Pilate that he was placed in authority by God himself!
Not only did God place Pilate in authority... but his authority flowed from God Himself.

I suppose the part that I battle with here is the 'all'.
There are so many governmental authorities that I disagree with... people I'm even tempted to think would be better off dead!
Hitler... Robert Mugabe... Sudam Hussein... and countless others...

But then I hear the confidence in Jesus voice... and I her the ring of that word, 'all'.


APPLICATION:

I need to speak positively about my socialist non-Christian government.
Jesus has placed them there. I may disagree, and vote for others... but while they are in power... its God - ordained. I must rest in the knowledge that God is in control... and He has a plan.


PRAYER:

Help me father... when my eyes see only this world and I think 'boy do we have problems here!'
Let me see that You are in control.
Help me when I find it difficult, when my heart gets hardened...

May I see your hand in everything... in 'all'.
Amen