I’m blessed to be part of an extraordinary group of women who write and contribute personal devotionals to www.encouraging.com. We have a rotating schedule and last week was my turn to be published, Monday through Friday.
I was late submitting all of my devotions, and all were successfully loaded into our scheduled program, except for Friday’s. It was a series of five, with the last one not only adding some new thoughts, but also connected all of them and summarized in a big picture.
I felt like I let everyone down.
Here is Day 5 for those desiring to hear “the rest of the story.”
Censor or Celebrate:
Reins and Reigning
He was oppressed, [yet when] He was afflicted, He was submissive and opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.
Isaiah 53:7 (Amplified)
Recently I had an opportunity to go horseback riding. It’s been a long time since I last rode. One of the stable hands reviewed techniques with me to safely guide Rosetta, my beautiful ride. I was quickly reminded that such a large and powerful animal may be effectively directed by thin leather strips. Nervously, I grasped the reins. Off we went.
The bridle and bit attached to the reins didn’t rob Rosetta of her strength, abilities, or spirit. To the contrary, with gentle drawing, Rosetta eagerly submitted her will to mine and we enjoyed the trail ride in unity.
Submission is another Bible word that some deem distasteful—even lovers of Jesus.
To submit is to be under—hupo—in Greek. To be under doesn’t mean to be less than or inferior to someone else. It certainly doesn’t diminish one’s worth or influence.
We seek refuge under an umbrella during a downpour or from the sun. Baby chicks thrive under the protective wings of their mother. We appreciate residing in a home under a solid roof.
As trusting Christ-followers, there is a covering available to each of us by the precious blood of Jesus.
Genuine submission is motivated by love and grounded in the relationship between God the Father and His Son.
Jesus is our example of submission so that we may freely yield the reins of our lives to Him. His promise to us is that we will reign with Him for eternity!
We are no longer enslaved to decrees such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, and do not touch.” (Colossians 2:20,21)
Look with me one more time at the five tough biblical words we’ve considered and the precepts they represent. Commandments, Repentance, Obedience, Sin, and Submission—CROSS. Due to the selfless outpouring of Jesus’ love and life for us on the cross, they are gifts of life for us to accept and celebrate in grace and truth, without fear.
Gracious heavenly Father, may I be faithful to heed and celebrate Your whole Word.
Karen Sims
Category: God’s Word
It’s also possible to read the first four at http://www.encouraging.com.
Hard lesson learned.
Pressing on.
Karen
hopenedheart 
CROSS, that’s good!