**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, - A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
"...putting everything in subjection under his feet.
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him."
-Hebrews 2:8 ESV
Photo by John Mark-Smith.
When I think of the word "subjection," I picture a strict teacher with a ruler in her hand. She smacks it against her palm whenever a student misbehaves, or slams her hands on the desk when a student is sleeping. This strict teacher, with a tight bun and clunky glasses, is the epitome of what people picture when they think of mean educators. Yet, as a teacher myself, I know this picture is entirely inaccurate.
Most of the teachers I know like to either dress nicely (in dresses) or casually (in jeans and a school t-shirt). They tend to be very positive people, having the patience of a saint. They juggle multiple responsibilities, from lesson planning, grading, to attending multiple meetings a week. This is on top of teaching their individual classes and subjects. Often, teachers are underpaid, overworked, and stressed. Yet, they love their students and what they do.
These contrary images are probably what most people think of when they picture God. They know God is just and righteous, allowing none to escape his wrath against sin and evil (Romans 1:18). Yet, he is also loving and kind, forgiving sins to the seventy-seventh time (Matthew 18:21-22). The same seeming contradiction applies to the supposed contradiction between individual free will and God's sovereignty.
After all, if "nothing is outside his control," why does the author also say, "we do not see everything in subjection to him?" Although Bible scholars debate the meaning of this verse, I see it as both and, rather than either or. What do I mean by this? Simply that, "all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). I believe that God is in control of events in a way we can't comprehend. Our choices ultimately formulate into his sovereign plan. I believe that God is sovereign over all AND we have free choice. The seeming contradiction is not one if you consider God's power and ability.
Putting that debate aside, consider another interpretation of this passage. Most Christians believe that Jesus will return one day as a conquering king, defeating evil once and for all, and then create a new heavens and earth. They also believe that one day, every tongue will confess and every knee will bow before Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11). Of course, one only has to look around to know that evil is still here, and not everyone believes in Jesus. This makes me think that the "we do not see everything in subjection to him" part of the Hebrews passage could be referring to the fact that this world is still fallen, waiting for Jesus' imminent return.
So, what is our role in this? How do we wait for Jesus to make everything subject to Him? We wait in eager anticipation of the day he returns, living holy lives by his Spirit.
Let's pray. Dear Lord, please help us to cling to your truth even when life is hard. Help us to be patient and eager for your return. Amen.