With all that is taking place in our nation and on the world stage, it is important to understand that none of what is happening has ultimate authority over a follower of Jesus. These things can make life challenging, in some cases, even under the threat of death. Whatever is taking place, no matter how dire it appears, will be used by God to fulfill His will on Earth and bring Him glory. 

After Jesus was arrested, beaten, and brought before Pilate for inquiry, Jesus was silent. Then an interesting conversation took place between Pilate who represented the controlling government authority and Jesus who represented the Father and His Kingdom. “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above” (John 19:10-11).

The word used by John to describe Pilate’s authority refers to the power of a government to execute judicial decisions over its citizens. When Jesus challenged Pilate, He was letting Pilate know He was a citizen of another Kingdom of which Pilate had no authority. Pilate tried to use the threat of death to manipulate Jesus and instill fear as a tool of compliance. Jesus saw His future differently. He saw a resurrection. 

Any earthly authority that wields its power over our lives is allowed by God. Just as the Lord demonstrated, for a time, while we can still live and move freely, at some point, an earthly authority not committed to the will of God will become threatened by our freedom. When we live and speak in a way that says, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above”, our trust in God will be seen as a rebellious threat to that authority. What those in seats of earthly power do not realize is that even their darkest deeds and most fearful threats will be used to bring glory to God. 

A resurrection is always in the future of those who follow Jesus and do not allow fear to stumble their obedience or silence their voice. The hope of a resurrection is the only thing that can disempower the threats of those in positions of earthly authority. The hope of resurrection allows us to have peace in our hearts when evil appears to be in control and advancing unchecked.