John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Do you sometimes feel that you don’t really belong in this world, or that there seems to be a certain discord and discomfort in your spirit and a longing to be in the actual presence of God? That is a good thing. You are not alone. Abraham felt the same way after God called him. (See Hebrews 11:8-16). We belong to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. We long for a place where righteousness and purity are the norm.

When Jesus was turned over by the Jews to Pilate the conversation that ensued is one of irony in my mind – here is a creature challenging his Creator without even knowing it. Men in authority, or women for that matter, seldom stop to think about the eternal consequences of their actions.  In his examination of Jesus, Pilate admitted he could find no fault with him, but he did not stand his ground. Instead he caved to public opinion and released Barabbas and, by default, condemned Jesus. Bear in mind however that Jesus did come to die. He said so himself. (John 10:18).

Have you been treated unjustly or falsely accused, insulted, or shunned and can find no way to defend yourself? Jesus made it clear to Pilate that he could call for his servants to fight and get out of the situation he was in, but he chose not to because his kingdom was not of this world. In your situation you may have to let the accusation or insult stand, knowing that you serve the King and he knows what the truth is. The Holy Spirit affirms:

“Likewise my child when you are rebuffed, take no notice of it. Humble yourself and accept that slights are part of your identification with me. The same process I went through, being humbled by the people I created, is par for the course. Do not be disheartened by it, just look to me as your example.”