The Secret of Submission

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:1-10

The apostle Peter had a streak of rebellion that lay hidden until Jesus announced His impending death. Then it surfaced in prideful array (Matt. 16:23). Peter did not understand God’s plan nor did he respond to Christ’s words in faith. All he thought of was the ensuing political unrest facing the Jews. His entire life was apprehended by the thought of the Messiah sitting on the throne of David instead of personal fellowship he shared with Jesus.

Had the Lord not rebuked Peter’s actions, the other disciples may have begun nursing a rebellious attitude as well. But in obedience, Peter yielded himself to Christ, and thus begun a deeper journey into a loving relationship with his Lord. God’s way is not the way of rebellion, but the way of obedience. It is not the way of pride, but of humility. Years later and long after the death of Christ, Peter writes: “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet. 5:6).

The secret to submission is not fighting back in rebellion but in drawing close to Jesus. The way of the cross is not the way of rebellion, but of humble submission. Will you submit all that you are to Him today?

“Personal contact with Jesus alters everything.” -Oswald Chambers