Who is He

Who gives any authority to a ruler. Through the ages, countries have been ruled, by various forms of government.

However is it man who gives this authority. There have been royalties, when kingships were handed over from one generation to another. Many other countries have witnessed dictatorships and others with elections.

The form of rule varied depending on the various countries and their cultures, and way of life. Rulers have come and gone. Some with fame and others infamy. With every passing generation it is always felt that, “ how did we survive a bad ruler” or after a good ruler has left “ why did this happen?”

True if one accepts that ultimately the Creator of this world, is a living person, then He does indeed have knowledge of His own creation. Can a creature know more than his creator?

So we can accept that authority is required. Further respect of authority helps us to live a good life. Since a person in authority has been assigned to this position and in a way, with the full knowledge of God Almighty.

Here comes the crux. What happens when authority is misused. Can humans take the law into their own hands, to suit their convenience. This is what happened when Jesus was crucified. Even though the ruler was aware that Jesus did no wrong, still he backed out fearing the opinion of the people and his own superiors.

He eventually asked Jesus “ Are you a king?” This was a bone of contention. People found reason to blame him for blasphemy. We are still aware of so many instances when this word is misused and innocent people condemned to death.

Jesus replies with quiet confidence that “My kingship does not come from this world. If I were a king like those of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being  handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not from here” (John 18: 36)

Here let us reflect on two aspects.

Why was Jesus sent into the world? Who sent Him?

“Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; but that, through him the world might be saved.” (John3:16)

To be saved ……is to be set free…..to live a life free of bondage….and slavery …to sin.

If one meets any average person, and speak about being set free…..be sure that you will get a varied response.

Today we are enslaved in so many ways , ….

Coming back to rulers; we look back and see so many have come and gone. Good and bad.

How many do you remember. Why do you remember them? Do earthly rulers last ? No matter how powerful, there comes a time when death approaches and every human being has to face this ultimate fact.

So which kingdom are we finally interested in. An everlasting one naturally. But it is not to be found here on earth.

So we can now understand the reason why Jesus says “My kingship is not of this world!”

He came only out of love to save every man and woman. He gave His life, that we may live. He rose on the third day and enveloped the whole world with His love and mercy. He poured out His Holy Spirit that we may be born anew.

He laid down his life, to still take it up! He has shown us the way to eternal life.

Have you encountered the Lord? When you do so, your life will change. He changed my life!