Devotionals

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POWER AND SURRENDER
(From the Paradox Series)

As we observe it, we see that it’s natural that someone who serves should display a certain well-placed humility and willingness to submit. Likewise, we also see authority and strength being natural when it comes to someone with position or power. Having said that, we are equally taken off- guard when we see instances when these qualities are somehow not in keeping with the usual way that we feel it should to be.

A friend of mine once asked me why Jesus would allow himself to endure such a brutal and humiliating punishment, which as the story goes, was apparently undeserved. He was stumbled by this seemingly inconsistent performance by someone who we don’t think should be in this situation. He was puzzled by this break in pattern.

At the very least we find it unusual, if not altogether confusing. Why would the Son of God, as Jesus claimed to be, allow Himself to be subjected to these sorts of events? Indeed, even the religious leaders and others surrounding the spectacle of the cross mocked and accused Him saying, “if you are really the Son of God, then come down from the cross and save yourself”. They figured that someone who claims to have that type of authority and access to God will never allow himself to suffer such humiliation and pain. They concluded in their minds, as we initially would, that what they were seeing is proof that Jesus was exactly the opposite of who He said He was.

What everyone watching had failed to grasp was that His great authority and power was humbled by His recognition of His Father’s authority. Remember the story of the centurion that came to Jesus asking for the Lord to help and heal his servant? Jesus was ready and willing to accompany the solider to his own house in order to heal the sick servant. Yet the man told Jesus it was not necessary. That He need only to speak the words and his servant will be healed. He understood the scope of Jesus’ authority because he understood how true authority works.

It takes no effort for someone with a great position of influence to flaunt it in other people’s faces. It comes natural for a man who rules over many to exercise that very authority. And there is little fault in that, since the scripture says that God is the one who give authority and He exalts one while He lowers another.

However, how amazing is it to see someone who posses such great power yet refuses not only to display it, but altogether forfeits it and instead willfully subjects himself to those who have less power and authority than he. That is not a simple thing. It’s power under control. It is the true essence of discipline. That is full obedience, such that is never seem by kings of men.

Philippians 2:6-8 said: [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

I borrow the title of this piece from lyrics from the band Switchfoot in their song, Daisy. The singer put together such a fitting description that I have connected to the Lord Jesus and His willful suffering on the cross. The words, “…the beautiful display of power and surrender…” gave off such an amazing attraction.

Who would’ve ever thought that “power” and “surrender” can be used to describe the same person – more importantly the same action? That in one brilliant swoop, these two seemingly antonymous words can find themselves fitting together so beautifully.

God Bless
March M. Villareal
[email protected]
www.manswicked.com

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