Matthew 8:5-13 / Luke 7:1-10…
Man’s nature is not submission but rebellion; however, Jesus calls submission to authority a sign of great faith. This man had understood that Jesus was in submission to His Father (John 5:17-19, 30). He knew that all he needed was a word from Jesus and his servant would be healed. Humility understands the authority of God and the misery of man without Him. It lifts up its estimation of Christ and lowers itself in submission.
Many problems in life can be traced back to a misunderstanding of submission to authority. We thought we could do it our way and it messed us up. We ruin our relationships and wreck our faith because of rebellious attitudes. We quibble with the clear teachings of the Bible regarding submission and obedience. Obedience is about our actions toward authority, while submission is about our attitude toward authority. God is the focus of submitting to governmental authority (1 Peter 2:13-17), to workplace authority (1 Peter 2:18-20), and even to those who cause us suffering (1 Peter 2:21-25, 4:19). Respect for and obedience to authorities is important because it is an expression of God’s authority over us.
Think about Jesus and His relationship with the Father, and you will realize that the essence of spirituality is submission. The Gospel started by the submission of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11). Therefore, because of Christ, as we learn submission we experience His power (Philippians 2:12-13). Submission is the sign of faith, not to always get what we want, but knowing that God will give us what we need, even when it hurts, especially for the sake of others.
Will you trust God to be the authority in your life? Show Him the sign.
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