03/11/2021
Do we place our will ahead of the will of God? Do we feel that what we want for our life should have a greater weight than what God would have us do? To dispel this notion we needn’t look any further than Jesus as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the words He spoke regarding the subjugation of His will to God’s. We all have a personal will for our lives just as Jesus did when He prayed, but as children of God, and having placed Him above all else, then His will becomes master over everything in our life... even our own will, and greatest desires.
“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.””
Matthew 26:39 ESV
When it comes to rearing children, we often hear people say “He is a strong willed child!” Yet, as we think back on the times when we have heard that expression used, we realize that it wasn’t a compliment... it was synonymous with being unruly, having a resistance to following rules, or some other bullheaded form of behavior. One of the hardest things to teach a child is how to place his own will second to the will of God, and to become an obedient servant of his parents, or some other authority to which his subjugation is due...
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
Romans 13:1-2 ESV
We are nearing Easter, so when we think about the crucifixion of Christ we talk a great deal about Jesus submitting His will to God’s during His prayer in the garden, but He also placed Himself in the hands of Judas, the high priest, Caiaphas, Pilate, and other authorities along the way. In this way their wills also came into play. Jesus was betrayed by a kiss, arrested by temple authorities, beaten with the fists of temple, and Roman, guards. He was purged with the use of a Roman whip, and the cross to which He was nailed to was a Roman instrument of death. All of these actions were done in accordance to the will of individual authorities, but we should never forget that they were ultimately given that authority by God, and as such were the instruments of His will. This is so hard to accept when we encounter it in our own lives, and is often a mystery to us. It adds a whole new dimension to being humble as Jesus was humble, and to submitting our will to God as He submitted His... not only to God directly, but to those who are unwittingly His emissaries as well. Listen to Jesus at His capture...
“Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?””
Matthew 26:53-54 ESV
It was God’s will that “the Scriptures be fulfilled”, so all that followed the capture of Christ was also God’s will, and each of the authorities, which He had put in place, had a role to play in the inevitable unfolding of His divine will; a part that they could neither see, understand, resist, nor avoid.
“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
Luke 23:34 ESV
So like that unruly child we spoke of raising, or the authorities God has placed over us, are we being called “Strong willed”, or are we humbling, and subjecting ourselves in Christlike manner with full knowledge, and understanding, to God’s will? In this Holy time of year let’s think on this, and how we should serve God’s will above our own.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your perfect plan for my life, and your will for me as it unfolds each day. Thank you for your Son Jesus and the example that He showed me during the time of His crucifixion; in how I should submit myself humbly, and completely, to your will. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God whose will is not only perfect, but perfectly good. Praised be your name as you reveal each step I should take in conforming to your desire for me, even when I have picked up my cross, and follow Jesus to Calvary... then beyond. You are merciful Holy Father, and your grace is poured out on me like a river with each step I take down my own Via Delarosa, and experience the most Holy Kilometer that a man has ever walked. All glory is yours Lord, and every step of Christ along that way of suffering shouted of your greatness, and the fulfillment of your will. Wash me Father in the blood of Jesus, and make me righteous as He was righteous, in perfect obedience, suffering, and humility. Then, judging me, find me worthy Lord, not by my own efforts, but by the grace which flows over me through Christ. Open the doors of Heaven and receive me into eternity as your child... a child whose own will is strong only in obedience to your will, and made perfect in Christ.
Rich Forbes