“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking on the form of a bondservant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.” – Philippians 2:5-8
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God…” – 1 Peter 5:6
“Submit yourselves therefore to God.” – James 4:7
“Your Kingdom come and Your will be done…” – Matthew 6:10
“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last.” – Luke 23:46
In this last word of Jesus from the cross we have seen a deep trust that is founded in a personal relationship between Jesus and the Father. He reveals to us that our God is compassionate and always there to lead us through even the darkest times of our life…even the valley of death.
This is both comforting and challenging. It is comforting because our God is mighty and can deliver us by His mighty hand, but it is challenging because it requires more than “words of faith”. It is more than “lip service” on a Sunday morning. It requires a faith that changes our attitudes, our behaviors, and our loyalties. This is genuine faith. It is a faith that is revealed to us in this last phrase from Jesus. It is the complete submission of our will to the will of the Father. It is radical obedience that is dedicated to One Lord and Master. It is a faith that stands true in life and death…”even death on the cross”.
This is the “act” of faith that is described in the Scriptures above and illustrated by the life of Jesus. He not only instructed us to pray for the Father’s will to be done…He prayed it! He not only commanded us to submit to that will…He did it!
“…not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Does your faith and trust in God show itself in your attitudes and your actions? Are you concerned about pleasing your heavenly Father or the world around you? Is obedience and submission to your Lord more important than your own comfort and convenience? These are the difficult questions that the Christian struggles with every day. We are not perfect and we have trouble “submitting” to anyone…even our Creator. We are a work in progress, but we are called to humble ourselves before a Mighty God who can give us the strength to get through whatever comes our way. Paul gave us these encouraging words,
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:12, 13
As we contemplate the cross in these last few days before Easter, let us be reminded that the cross was not only the wonderful act that brought about our salvation, but also the model of a perfect faith lived out in submission to the Father.
On this Maundy Thursday (as we commemorate the Last Supper) let us think about the obedience of Jesus and His great love for us. Spend some time expressing your gratitude for His sacrifice on your behalf and renew your commitment to humbly submit yourself to His care today.