“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above…”
John 19:11a
When Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor thought he held the power to decide the fate of the Son of God. He boasted of his authority to release or crucify Jesus. But Jesus calmly responded that “he could have no power at all against Him, except it were given to him from above.”
That single statement unveils a truth: no power on earth operates outside the permission of heaven. Kings rise and fall, systems shift, leaders rule and retire, but all within the boundary of God’s sovereign will. Even when evil seems to triumph, it does so only within the limits God allows for His greater purpose.
Many times, like Pilate, we feel as though people, institutions, or circumstances have unchecked control over our lives. Yet, behind every decision, permission, and outcome stands the absolute authority of God. Nothing escapes His command. He remains the final voice in every matter.
Charge: No one can act against you unless Heaven allows it, and if Heaven allows it, it will work for your good. It might not look like it now, but have faith. God isn’t done with you!
Further Study: Job 12:13-14; Psalm 62:11; Proverbs 21:30; Daniel 4:35; Matthew 28:18; Romans 13:1; Colossians 2:10; Revelation 1:8.
