Rebel Against Rebellion

The story of the Bible is a story of rebellion. From Lucifer’s heavenly rebellion to our first parents’ rebellion in the Garden, an arrogant attitude has reigned. From a cycle of rebellion during the days of the Judges to the ongoing cycle of rebellious Kings, an aversion to the authority of God has shaped history. From true prophets exhorting a rebellious people to false prophets rebelling against the truth, the story of human dominance has pressed against the Almighty Creator of all things. Not until the coming of Jesus has rebellion met its match. How did Jesus disrupt this story of rebellion? By submission! “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38). The submission of the Son to the will and authority of the Father crushed the rebellion of the ages. Jesus was no timid leader, no weak teacher or cautious exhorter. He spoke and acted with ultimate authority, because it was not His own. The freedom of the Son on earth came from the authority of the Father in heaven. Surely this teaches us something. We carry heavy (and unnecessary) burdens when we walk, speak and act with an assumed authority of our own. The autonomous self thrives in this kind of thinking. We must rebel against such erroneous views of independence … and we do that by a heart of submission. Nothing is more Christ-exalting (and freeing) than submission to the King. May your joy be found not in “you being you”, but in “you coming under Him”.