Have you pursued control apart from God, this week? Herod the Great learned firsthand the results of lusting for power apart from our Creator.

After a lifelong pursuit of the lust of his eyes, Herod died out of control, lying in the darkness of his Jericho palace in 4 BC. Historians say that he passed away most likely due to a bout with syphilis. To ensure that mourning, rather than rejoicing, would take place at his death, he issued a decree that several prominent Jews be executed at his passing. His sister Salome reversed this edict.

Contrastingly, Jesus died in control, satisfied in the Father’s power. The Gospel writers demonstrated how Jesus’ desires were satisfied in the Father, even in His darkest hours, evidenced in His final words on the cross, the most excruciating death devised by mankind. Jesus did not breathe His last breath until he had finished His purpose, a mark of control discovered in the power of the Father to fulfill prophecy: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). “It is finished” was the same term written at the top of a Bill of Sale that was marked, “Paid in Full.” Jesus Christ, the power of God (see 1 Corinthians 1:24), has paid in full for the price of our sin, including the lust of the eyes, the desire for control apart from God in the form of worldly power. In Christ, we freely receive the love of the Father and pursue His will for our lives.

Are you locked in darkness, pursuing worldly power apart from God, fearful of losing control of your life? Are you dying inside with every choice that takes you a step further from Him? Are you willing to change your perspective and surrender to the Holy Spirit who will bring you to the light of Christ? If so, pray to God, “I can’t. You can.” “I can’t” is repentance. “You can” is faith. Repentance means that you see things differently. When you see your sin as God sees it, you agree with Him you can’t pay for the penalty of sin, but in Christ, He can. Christ becomes your Savior. When you see you can’t free yourself from the power of sin, but in Christ, God can, Christ becomes your Lord. In eternity, He will free you from the presence of sin, including an inkling of the lust of the eyes.

Episode 310: Three Habits of Highly Destructive People, Part Two: Power from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.