Submission

This is one of my favorite paintings.  It is called the "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Rembrandt.  The painting depicts the prodigal son, who has just returned home after squandering his father's money, kneeling while his father embraces him.  I used this painting to wrap up this past Thursday's discussion on the authority and lordship of our Heavenly Father over our lives. 

Even though our tendency is to rebel like Adam and Eve in the Garden, we are called to submit to the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in ever aspect of our lives.  God wants to be lord of all or not lord at all.  So many of us have areas of our lives that we have not turned over completely to God.  This is not always an easy task (for a variety of reasons: fear, pride, apathy, etc.), but Christ has called us to do just that. 

The rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26 could not submit to Christ's call to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus.  He refused to allow Jesus to have lordship over his possessions, money and wealth.  Thus, he went away sad.

This week, I encourage you to get on your knees, in the same position as the prodigal son in the picture above, and ask God to reveal areas of your life in which you need to submit to his lordship.  Then, as he leads you to these areas, repent and ask for his forgiveness as you turn these areas over to him. 

There is an enormous amount of freedom in submitting to Christ's lordship.  He promises us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light!" (Matthew 11:30)