Daily EncouragementSample

There are times when this truth seems obvious to us and we almost hear the heavenly laughter of which the Psalmist speaks: “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed . . . The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” (Ps.2:1-4).

There are other occasions when the truth seems in doubt: when the Anointed One himself stands before an earthly ruler who has the power to crucify him; when men go and make his tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard (Matt. 27:66).

But such doubt is only for a moment. We hear the kingly word, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11); we hear the angel’s voice, “He is not here; he has risen; just as he said” (Matt. 28:6); and we hear the believers’ prayer, “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen” (Acts 4: 27-28).