Jesus scolded Peter after he pulled his sword and chopped off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest who had come to arrest Him. “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:52-53)? Jesus needed Peter to know that his decision to surrender to the high priest and the servants and to allow them to arrest him was because he sought to do the will of God.
Strength under restraint is what Jesus exercised and humility in knowing that he had the power to overthrow and destroy the people who had come to crucify him. Yet not lifting a finger to retaliate but being obedient in submitting to God’s will. His time in prayer before his arrest was to plead with God if per chance there was another way to bring about salvation. “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done,” is what Jesus said (Luke 22:42).
In other words Jesus was saying, Lord I know that this is what I was born to do and I know that this is your perfect plan. But if there is a chance that I can escape it please let me know. I know I am asking you, but despite my asking please know that I will do what you want me to do.
Did we ever consider that obedience is linked with humility. Our willingness to surrender our will to God and to do what he says even when it feels uncomfortable. Even when obedience feels like our flesh is being crucified because we have to go against what is our natural desire and instinct.
This humility and obedience leads to exaltation and God being pleased with our sacrifice. Humility and obedience isn’t always easy and we need the strength of God to do his will. But when we walk in the will of the Lord and humble ourselves to his purpose, then he will exalt us. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages. View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published October 17, 2023
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Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about Humbled to be Exalted.
