Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord”. 

DAILY DEVOTION, April 19, 2024

Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin” (John 19:10, 11).

My, how politicians love power! (Greek, exousia, or authority) They love to flaunt it over us lowly commoners. Modern-day lovers of power (authority) would do well to listen to Plato’s advice. “Only those who do not desire power are fit to hold it.” In other words, if you lust after power, you are unfit to hold it. If all our politicians who desired power were suddenly to leave the stage, we would have few politicians!

Jesus corrects Pilate. He does not possess power by right. He possesses power because God gave it to Him. God gives us what we have, and it is up to us to use it wisely. Unfortunately, Pilate went down the road of far too many politicians – – – he abused his power and had the Son of God crucified. You may possess some power or authority over others. God has placed you in that position. Please don’t mess it up!

Father, if you have given me even the slightest power, help me not abuse it. Help me to use all You have given me wisely. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.