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)

Last summer I had the opportunity to go horseback riding. It had been a long time since I last rode. One of the stable hands reviewed techniques with me in order to safely guide Rosetta, my graceful ride. The hand reminded me that the thin leather strip draped over Rosetta’s neck effectively directed the large and powerful animal with a slight pull. My sweaty palms grasped the reins and off we went.  

The reins didn’t rob Rosetta of her strength, abilities, or spirit. With gentle drawing, Rosetta submitted her will to mine and we enjoyed the trail ride in unity.

Jesus exemplifies submission for us. He emptied himself to be a servant to all and then chose to do His Father’s will by dying a humiliating death on a cross to reconcile us to God. His promise to us is that we will reign with Him for eternity when we yield the reins of our lives to Him!

Submission is one of those Bible words we want to ignore.

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 doesn’t diminish one’s worth or influence.

As trusting Christ-followers, there is a secure covering available to each of us under the precious blood of Jesus.

Genuine submission is motivated by love and was evidenced in Jesus’ relationship with the Father (John 5:19, 30). He has all power, yet does nothing of his own initiative.

Are there certain areas in your life that are especially difficult to submit to God’s protective authority? Visit www.encouraging.com and feel free to comment.

Gracious heavenly Father, may we humbly give you the reins of our lives so that we may fully reign with Christ for eternity.

Karen Sims