He is the head over every power and authority.
Summary: The fact that Jesus is head over “powers and authorities” does not mean that every ruler obeys their Maker.
It is no surprise that Paul has been talking about Jesus. It is Jesus (the Christ) whom we have received as Lord. It is in Jesus that we live our lives, and it is in Jesus that we are rooted and built up (Colossians 2:6-7).
This same Jesus is the one we have been taught about and in whom we place our faith. Knowing Jesus fills us with gratitude, and we overflow with thankfulness (ibid).
Jesus Christ is the “fullness of the Deity (God)” in the flesh. When we place our faith in him, we, too, are “brought to fullness” and filled with God’s Light (John 8:12).
Oh, and one more thing…
“He [Jesus] is the head over every power and authority.”
Knowing the world as we do, and understanding how corrupt many “authorities” are, how do we make sense of this?
Let’s imagine for a moment that you have been promoted and, for a short period of time, will be “head over every power and authority.” Your new office is on top of a distant mountain in a secret location. You have a direct line to every “power and authority,” but…
… you cannot force people to answer their phones or even respond.
Ultimately, you can fire those who go against your instructions. If their behavior is bad enough, you can put them in prison (or worse). The one thing you cannot do is be with each person at every moment, telling them what to do and ensuring they obey.
Sitting in your office atop the mountain, it begins to snow. You look out over the world below—the cities and nations that make up the different regions. Reports come in describing what is happening in each area. In some places, your people are treated well, and your leaders are doing your will. In others, sadly—seemingly in most—you are being ignored.
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”* And so, the people you rule over tend to be corrupted by the very power they have been given to rule over others.
What do you do?
Jesus knows that there are bigger issues at stake than mere obedience for the sake of obedience. His concern is not so much for his reputation or authority, but for those who believe in him and place their faith in him (see Matthew 13:24-30).
The mountaintop Jesus sits on is much higher, and his view encompasses not just the places of the world but every soul that has ever existed on it. It is the salvation of these souls that is important to him. The temporary rulers we see in power on earth will ultimately be called to account. God bless those who have obeyed Jesus, and heaven help those who have not.
Application: Trust Jesus. He knows what he is doing.
Food for Thought: Why do rulers with power and authority get to have free will just like the rest of us?
*Lord Acton, circa 1887 (Different kind of “Lord.”)
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I think because they are just like the rest of us – created in God’s image and deeply valued by their Creator. They can respond to Him with love, service and obedience – or not. It is just that the consequences of their disobedience are felt by a greater amount of people. It is a good reason for us to pray to the One who really is Sovereign.
1 Timothy 2: 1 – 6: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
This was by R. Not intentionally trying to be anonymous
Thanks, Rich!
I love how you frame your answer in terms of compassion. We are all in the same boat. Just different seat assignments. 🙂
Why do rulers with power and authority get to have free will just like the rest of us?
Free will is the ability humans have to make choices and act independently. Our Bible emphasizes that with free will comes responsibility and accountability for our individual actions and choices.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:. John 1:12
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
All mankind is being held accountable to God for our decisions while on earth. Every individual has the ability to make choices and decisions for themselves. Rich, poor, rulers, servants, are all equal before God.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
In the end, we are imperfect beings serving our perfect God. The salvation of all mankind is dependent upon our individual relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Ron!
Yes … accountability.
I think it is important to realize that we are all accountable for something and someone.
Exactly Jeff!
God is fully aware of every choice His created beings will make during their lifetime. But we each need this human experience so we will eternally know exactly who we are and every choice we have made.