Know the King?

John 18:28-32 Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” 30 “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” the Jews objected. 32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.
 
IN Judges, we twice read these terrifying words: Judges 17:6 & 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. Yes, it is terrifying when we see the results of people acting as they please outside lawful rule and authority. How frightening to consider a world without God’s righteous laws. Observe where this is true today, and you will see people dominated and victimized physically, economically and socially. Judges records how this was true in Israel.
   And Jesus’ trial affirms this was true in first-century Israel. The temple priests and Pharisees were doing what they saw fit, so they could accomplish their dreadful purpose. Caiaphas’ design was to crucify Jesus, and he would do so through any means possible.
   Now before Pilate, the supposed law-focused Caiaphas and his associates became a lawless lynch mob. They claim their desire is to obey Rome’s rule. But they used Rome as a tool to cover their guilt. Caiaphas claimed Jesus is a criminal. But he has no charge against Jesus.
   In Judges, there actually was a King in Israel. His name was I AM, the living God, who formed his people and gave them the law’s way to righteousness. But Israel’s hearts denied his authority, justice and mercy. God’s people lived amid chaos, and they missed the King’s care and peace over their lives.
   On that dark morning in Jerusalem, there, too, was a King in Israel, but the Jews accused him. They denied his authority, justice and mercy. They did as they pleased, and they missed the King’s care and peace over their lives.
   Do you know and live God’s law? Does your church? Do you know there is a King who has come to rule your heart with authority, justice and mercy? Do you know the King has come to offer you his care and peace over your life?