13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
This passage talks about something that we, as humans, often struggle with, SUBMISSION. There are many authority figures in our lives, especially now that we are kids. We have parents, teachers, police, government, and ultimately GOD! Often we struggle with being submissive to the leadership in our lives, but look at the great example of CHRIST! Reread verses 21-25! Jesus submitted to the authorities of His time even though He knew it meant His own death. He submitted to God's plan and purpose for Him, the plan they had made to save US! If Jesus had been stubborn like us and refused to submit, then He would not have made the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Aren't we glad we serve a God that is greater, and more perfect than ourselves! I was thinking about His great love this week, and He loves us to DEATH!!! He literally loves us so much that He was willing to die a painful death in order to save us from our sins! What greater love is there than that? Are you willing to submit to God, and the authority figures in your life even if it means suffering for you? Are you holding anything back from God; is there something you refuse to surrender to Him? Think and pray about these things and see if there is anything God is calling you to surrender and submit to Him this week.
ReplyDeleteI love verses 20-22. We are called to follow Christ's example. Christ submitted Himself to God's will, which was suffering for righteousness. We should not shy away from suffering when we are being persecuted for doing good. We should face it joyfully because we are being refined through it and are being made more like Christ as we face it.
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