Aug 13

Jesus said, "The truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Pilate said, "What is truth?" (John 18:38).

Jesus said, "I am . . . the truth" (John14:6)

Pilate did not understand. As Jesus stood before him, bound, and, to all appearances, his prisoner, Pilate did not understand that appearances do not always show all of reality. Virtual reality, despite its appearances is not real reality.

That he did not understand this is revealed by his words to Jesus when Jesus refused to answer him:

"Don't you realize that I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" (John 19:10).

Pilate thought that he had the ultimate authority over Jesus, the power to decide whether he lived or died. The truth, however, was exactly the opposite of what he thought. He did not see reality. In reality, Jesus had the very power over Pilate which Pilate claimed to have over Jesus.

That Jesus did, in fact -- in truth, in reality -- have such power over Pilate is clear from the words of him who is truth, spoken just before he left this earth to return to heaven:

"All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me" (Mt. 28:18).

If this is so, why, then, did Jesus just stand there, bound as a prisoner before Pilate? He had the power to free himself. Why did he not do so? Because God has his reasons for not using his infinite power at all times. Power alone does not make one a god; wisdom to use that power wisely is also required. And God has infinite wisdom as well as infinite power.

This is a truth well worth remembering the next time you wonder why God has not freed you from some great trial in your life by his great power.

Scripture for today: John 18:36
Thought for today: The power of God is under the control of the wisdom of God.
Prayer for today: Lord, use your power to open my eyes to see your wisdom.

AUG 13