Luke 23 verses 23-25 (NIV)
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
Romans chapter 12 verses 1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
At its core, the meaning of the word surrender in the Bible refers to the act of yielding oneself to God’s will and authority. It represents a complete relinquishment of control, allowing God to take charge of our lives. Surrender is not merely a passive acceptance but an active choice to trust in God’s plan, even when it is beyond our understanding. Pilate surrendered Jesus to the will of the crowd – so different to what Jesus had prayed at Gethsemane when He prayed,” Not my will but Yours be done.” Pilate yielded Christ to the mob because he was afraid to stand up to them. Are we willing to surrender our will, and more importantly, to whom?
In Romans we see how Paul illustrates the concept of surrender as an act of worship, where believers offer themselves wholly to God. It’s a reminder how the person we need to surrender ourselves to is God, and not give in to anyone else.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that its to You we must surrender our will too, not to anyone else. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.