Dear Friends,
It has become customary to refer to the President of the United States as ‘the most powerful man in the world.’ It happened again during his recent visit to these shores. I’m not in a position to dispute that description, although how we really know for sure may be open to question.
But it did make me think about where real power comes from, and I was reminded of Jesus being sentenced by Pontius Pilate. Pilate said to him, “Don’t you realise I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” And Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:10-11, NIV).
At one level, he was putting Pilate firmly in his place. More than that, he was warning all rulers to remember where their authority comes from. We should pray for our rulers, and anyone with authority, that they would recognise that fact and be good servants of the one who gave them their power. It also encourages those who are under authority, especially if it is unjustly wielded, that those who hold power are answerable to the one who gave it to them. I don’t know whether Barack Obama recognises God in that way. I do know that it will be better for him, and for everyone else, if he does.
Chris Hobbs.
Vicar.