Subjection

by McCormick, F. | Category: Subjection | Apr 1957

In setting forth thoughts on the theme which heads this paper, we do so in the knowledge that in this lawless day in which we live it is not popular. To submit is against human nature which stands on its dignity at any suggestion of submission. This, of course, is that natural pride which makes persons consider that they are as good as, if not better than, their neighbours. Nevertheless the thought of subjection runs throughout the Scriptures. Indeed, so prominently is it brought before us that we need to consider afresh its great importance.

It is a well-known fact that the word subjection is used among men and in Scripture in a two-fold way:

(1)A compulsory submission, as when one nation overcomes another, and that nation becomes subject.

(2)A willing subjection, the work of the heart, causing persons voluntarily to subject themselves to others.

If these two points are borne in mind it will greatly help to a right understanding of this subject.

While it is not our intention to deal with the first of these points, perhaps we would be permitted to say that it is shown quite clearly in the words, "He put all things in subjection under His feet" (1 Corinthians 15.27), which applies to the time when every enemy of the Lord will be compelled to own and acknowledge Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. This, however, is not the kind of subjection which God desires should be manifested in His children. Rather, He looks for that willing submissiveness to Him and to Christ as Lord which will honour Him.

Perhaps it would be well to state that subjection is not obedience, although the two run on parallel lines. Just as there may be compulsory subjection, so it is with obedience; and as there may be willing subjection, so also there can be willing obedience. In fact, subjection is the condition of heart, obedience is the outward manifestation of subjection.

Now let us look at this matter first as it applied to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we would suggest that two scriptures be kept prominently before the mind. (1) " Christ also pleased not Himself" (Romans 15.8), and (2) "Learn of Me" (Matthew 11.29).

As we think of the earthly sojourn of the blessed Master it is impossible for the human mind to comprehend the truth that He is God and Man in one combined. Yet so it is. For while by the Holy Spirit He manifested His divine power, yet He was truly Man, having spirit and soul and body like other men, albeit without sin, and in His humanity He grew in wisdom and stature. Though no man ever knew the Word of God as He did, ere ever He came to earth, yet the Scriptures were His delight, and, in the narrative of Luke 2.41-51, His answers were solely based upon that Word which was available to all men, and that at twelve years of age. Young folks, please note!

In His humanity we see His subjection to the word of God manifested in those early days," and He was subject unto them" (Luke 2.51). He did this because He had read, "Honour thy father and thy another" (Exodus 20.12), and because of His heart-subjection to the will of God His obedience to His parents is seen.

That the Lord Jesus learned as a Disciple is clearly seen in Isaiah

50.4. "He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as disciples" (R.V.M.), and in every walk of life whether it be in His dealings with God or men His subjection is manifest, no matter at what cost to Himself. Note the force of the words-"I gave My back ... and My cheeks ... I bid not My face ... ," showing that in His perfect knowledge of the will of God, not one word or act of His would delay the accomplishment of the divine purpose. Rather He would assist in its fulfilment. His words to Peter show this clearly, "Put up again thy sword into its place... Or thinkest thou I cannot beseech My Father, and He shall even now send Me more than twelve legions of angels? How then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be ? (Matthew 26.52-54). Well did He interpret the Scriptures to the disciples, saying, "Behoved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into His glory?" (Luke 24.26). While in Gethsemane, with Golgotha looming black before Him, we hear His words, "Not My will, but Thine, be done " (Luke 22.42). Truly Christ pleased not Himself.

We note those incidents in His life in which He acknowledged the higher powers, and submitted to them in the paying of the tribute money (Matthew 17. 24-27); and the rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's (Matthew 22.21). As we contemplate the issue of that wonderful life we still hear His word-" Learn of Me."

We remind ourselves of the great consummation of all things when the Lord, the Ruler of the kings of the earth, the One with all authority, under whose feet all things have been put into their rightful place, having been made subject to Him, will fulfil the words: "Then shall; the Son also Himself be subjected to Him that did subject all things. unto Him, that God may be all in all" (1 Corinthians 15. 28). We marvel at such a thought.

It cheers our hearts to remember that the sorrows of the cross are gone, and He who became "obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Philippians 2.8), has been "by the right hand of God exalted " (Acts 2.28). He has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28.18), "angels and authorities and powers. being made subject unto Him " (1 Peter 3.22). Unswerving in their devotion, their subject hearts yield honours to their King. As we contemplate the heavenly scene, in which we see perfect order and harmony, all in their appointed places of service, with no unrest to mar the harmony of their subjection to Him, we hear again the words, uttered on earth, "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth" (Matthew 6. 10); but before that will can be done there must be subject hearts in which Christ is sanctified as Lord (1 Peter 3.15), in which He can rule while they are willingly subject to Him. What a joy it must be in the heavens to see the likeness of heaven on ea4h

McCormick, F. | Apr 1957
Subjection