Scripture: Psalm 11:4-5
The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind. The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates the lover of violence.
Thought for the Day: In the sermon this morning, we are reflecting on the notion of surrender. Throughout history, there have been many stories (some fiction, some not) in which someone cries out, “No surrender!” We love when the plot culminates with a dramatic proclamation of one who will not yield despite overwhelming odds. I too have enjoyed many movies and books with such moments, but I am moved even more by people who choose to surrender to something greater than themselves. The image of God as King is common in scripture, and draws us into a place of humility as subjects before the Holy One. The metaphor of God as King invites us to bow before divine authority, to make the conscious choice to surrender ourselves to God and the ways of Jesus. But of course, to surrender to God almost always means we must surrender something to God. Simply put, to yield ourselves to God requires us to surrender our own need for power, authority, control or dominance…or surrender the outside influences that demand complete allegiance.
In worship today (April 6), you will be invited to reflect on what you need to relinquish so as to better surrender your life to God. This requires some serious self-reflection, for it is one thing to say we are surrendering ourselves to the ways of Jesus and something very different to put our egos, hurts, fears and insecurities before our King and Creator.
To help each other in this Discipline, I am inviting you to comment on this Blog Post. Offer your insights on what part of your life needs to bow before the King of Kings, but also how you will go about leaving behind those sources of authority that do not have your best interest in mind. What do you need to surrender so that you can surrender?
Prayer: Lord, guide my thoughts to those powers that continue to control me in ways that are neither healthy nor faithful. As I come before you, assist me as I surrender them that I might offer myself more fully to you. Amen.
Comment Below…
10 thoughts on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 04-06-14 (Discussion on Surrender)”
Usually the people who cryout “no surrender” end up dead. Jesus did not surrender his cause and died on the cross. What happens when I do not surrender to God? Do I die? I think I do, maybe not physically, but I believe my soul gets tired of the struggle and I become like an empty shell. God forgive my foolish pride.
I teach critical care nurses for a living, and have been a nurse all of my adult life. Sometimes after a particularly lively class I think to myself how smart I am, what a good teacher, etc. The bible tells us he detests pride. My surrender is to continually remind myself whatever knowledge I have gained is directly related to God’s gifts to me. Whatever measure of success I have found in my career is because God has blessed me, not because I am so brilliant!
Thanks for sharing!!
When “all is well” in my world I feel like I am at least on the right track to living in the world God has provided for me. What a sweet feeling! As I examine these feelings I realive I have been with someone I love and respect and that someone has given me the feelings I am experiencing about my self.
Living with these thoughts pushes me forward(?).
Give me the grace and the moments to know what ( guess not “who”) is leading me and maybe all of us.
Thanks for the push.
Once again, you hit the nail on the head…..I particularly needed a sermon on “surrender” today. More food for thought is soo appreciated. God makes it easier for us if only we will listen!
I like to be in control. To be in the drivers seat, know which turn to make and how fast to go. When I am not in the drivers seat I am a pretty good back seat driver! The song by Cary Underwood comes to mind “Jesus Take the Wheel”
I heard a humorous song about letting Jesus take the wheel, but I am going to be a backseat driver…constantly critiquing Jesus’ driving skills. I truly understand that need to be in control!!
Thank you fir the message. I want to surrender all of my fears. I pray that my study of the bible will continue to grow my faith and minimize all of my fears.
When I think of surrender, I think of when Larry and I were trying to adopt our baby many years ago. We had prayed and prayed that God would give us a child, but until we surrendered our burden to God and said “not my will but yours, God” did it happen. It was all in God’s time–I was pregnant when we got our adopted baby at 11 days. God gave us a double blessing! Two babies in a year–praise God!!
I’ve heard that story from many couples! Thanks for sharing…