In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8
He who was in very nature God subjected himself to the authority of God the Father. He came into the world and learned what it was to obey. He was “submissive” to His parents (Luke 2:51). He told His disciples to obey the Pharisees because they “sit on Moses’ seat” (Mat. 23:2-3). He said, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25). He became obedient to the Father, even to death on a cross (Phil. 2:8).
This Jesus says, “Follow me.” Who do you recognize as an authority over your life? Who do you submit to? The older you get and the more powerful you become, the more difficult this issue will be for you. So, get this settled early in your life.
A human soul that has never learned to submit is a soul in desperate trouble. It is a soul ravaged by pride and self-will. It is a soul in constant turmoil. It is the soul of a tyrant. It is a soul destined for hell.
That’s the lesson of Korah’s rebellion, and in our culture of rampant individualism, it is one of the most difficult lessons to learn. Jude spoke about false teachers like that. They have walked in “the way of Cain,” they have abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to “Balaam’s error,” and they have perished in “Korah’s rebellion” (Jude 11).
If this describes you, you’re in great danger. Identify a pastor near you that you respect. Sit down and explain what’s going on. Under his guidance, begin attending and submit yourself to the teaching and authority of this local church body.