Rebels Without A Cause: Submission
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)
Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Matthew 27:38 (NIV)
Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons--Because they rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High.
Psalm 107:10-11 (NKJV)
Our Father tells us (and Jesus shows us) that submission is the best position for protection, promotion, and power!
He wants children to submit to parents, wives to husbands, and husbands to Jesus. He wants students to submit to teachers, citizens to submit to governments, and saints to submit to circumstances. Even hard ones… because He allowed them.
But in the U.S., few people submit. Therein, we are rebels without a cause.
Because without these ordained submissions, we miss His guidance. We lose His favor. It's like standing outside the golden gate to happiness… we didn't know we’d left.
Because our lawless land screams 'Come on down!' But just a few steps toward rebellion can become a swiftly moving mudslide. Before we know it, we've slipped beyond the borders of our faith.
Because God's way is up, straight and narrow. Submission to every yokes He allows (especially to the yoke of Jesus) is how we gain the necessary strength. This path is only walked only by followers. Sad to say: Rebels don't like to follow.
The rebel rouser is Satan himself: 'If you don't get what you want FAST, protest!'
Little babies do it instinctively.
Self-centered kids do it repeatedly.
Undisciplined teens do it secretly.
Demanding adults do it openly.
Pack leaders are brazen celebrities. They ride the mega-media waves of film, fashion, music, and theater. Their emblem is a star… turned upside down.
Nevertheless and all the more, 'The Lord reigns' (1 Chronicles 16:31, Psalm 93:1, Psalm 96:10, Psalm 97:1, Psalm 99:1).
He's calling His Stars to stand RIGHT SIDE UP: head high, arms open and feet on The Rock--to show the world a better way to live. It's the way the Cross. It’s submission! Sooner or later, everyone will bow. But only submitters will rise again!
Rebels Without A Cause: Submission (Part 2)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.