Obeying the Captain
by Malcolm Wood
(Firstly, apologies for a mistake in yesterday's email. The devotional yesterday, "Hey, That's not Fair!" was written by Roger Pook, not Peter Horrobin.)
My forty-plus-year-old son still enjoys a game of rugby. The other day, after expressing his availability and willingness to play, while waiting to hear whether he was needed, I heard him say, “I’ll do whatever my captain says”. It struck me that, here was a mature man, a leader in his own profession, submitting to the one who had the authority to choose and direct the players for that game, hopefully for a successful outcome.
Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross in securing our salvation, and winning the victory over death, He’s referred to in one translation of the Bible as ‘the captain of our salvation’ (KJV). In another translation He’s called the ‘pioneer of our salvation’ (NIV).
But, however we wish to express it, Jesus is the one we should look to for instruction, guidance, example, and direction. Today, when we’re bombarded with information, instruction, advice and ideas, the challenge is to learn to recognise the voice of our leader amidst it all, and only do what He asks of us.
The apostle Paul expands this thought of submission to the one in authority when he says ‘As Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize’ (2 Timothy 2:4-5).
When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord of our lives, we’re really submitting to his rule and authority in our lives. At times we may find that difficult, as we discover things in our lives which we don’t want to let go of and place under the Lord’s control. As someone has put it ‘If He’s not Lord of all, then He’s not Lord at all!’
As Lord of our life then, it’s He who should direct every aspect of our life. So often we want to remain in control, and then wonder why we struggle, and consequently miss God’s best for us.
When we meet difficulties and obstructions in our life, when we don’t know which way to turn, when things seem impossible, our captain, leader, and friend Jesus, is the one to turn to.
His way is the best way, and, as a children’s bible song, written by Sidney E Cox in 1951, says, ‘My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is to follow!’
‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:2).
Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me for not always submitting to Your authority in my life. Please help me to allow You to have Your way, and to be Lord of every area of my life. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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