1 December 2025
Jesus shows us how to submit under imperfect authority. Mark Penrith reminded us, “The ultimate reason we can trust God by submitting to the rulers He puts in place is because King Jesus did it first.” Jesus stood before Pilate. He did not resist. He trusted His Father’s hand in every moment. He said, “You would have no authority over me at all, if it had not been given you from above” (John 19:11). Submission is not weakness. It is faith. It believes that God is present and at work even when rulers are corrupt or blind to truth. It believes God alone holds real power. “The power behind every throne is His sovereign hand.”
Jesus did not submit because human rulers were worthy. He submitted because His Father was worthy. “Though He was God, He submitted to human authorities. Even the corrupt ones who crucified Him.” He walked every road with full confidence in the Father’s plan. He fulfilled the deepest requirements of obedience. “He obeyed all the way to the cross.” We follow the obedience of Christ before we follow the commands of the state. When authority asks us to disobey God, we say with the apostles, “We must obey God rather than people” (Acts 5:29). But in all other things, we submit because God is in control.
Jesus’ submission was not defeat. It was victory. “Therefore, God exalted Him as the ultimate King of kings and Lord of lords.” His submission led to resurrection. His obedience opened salvation for rebels like us. He rose in power. He reigns today. “Our ultimate Judge has already declared us righteous.” This gives us rest when the government seems unjust or the world feels unstable. Our confidence is not in the ruler. It is in Christ who rules over all.
Mark said, “We can submit not in fear, but in freedom.” We submit because we know where history is heading. We submit because Christ reigns. We submit because no earthly leader can change His lordship. Scripture says, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
So we pray. We obey. We walk humbly. We trust Christ. “Now, because we belong to Him, we walk in His steps.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the King above every king. Help me trust Your hand in every authority. Give me the courage to obey You above all. Strengthen my faith and steady my heart. Amen.