Surrender: The King of Your Life
Broadcast Episode Summary
The question of who is king of your life is crucial, as it determines the role God plays in our lives. Understanding this concept can lead to profound transformation and a deeper relationship with God.
- Recognize the importance of surrendering control to God, as He will not share His throne.
- Understand that pride can lead to self-destruction, just as seen in the story of Nebuchadnezzar.
- Realize that God’s relentless pursuit of our hearts is driven by His love and desire for a relationship with us.
- Acknowledge that true restoration comes from recognizing God’s sovereignty and allowing Him to reign in our lives.
- Reflect on the necessity of humility and the willingness to let go of our own thrones for God to work in us.
Who is King of Your Life?
The question of who rules our lives is a profound one that touches each of us deeply. In his teachings, Pastor Gary Hemrick invites us to reflect on this essential question: who is the ruler of your life? This inquiry is particularly pertinent when we consider our relationship with God. If we claim to be the rulers of our own lives, then we leave no room for God. Conversely, acknowledging God as our ruler means relinquishing control, which can be challenging. God will not share His throne, and thus, we are faced with a choice: either we are on the throne of our lives, or God is.
Consider the analogy of owning a car. When we possess something, we feel protective over it. It becomes part of us. Similarly, when we accept salvation and invite Jesus into our hearts, there can be hesitation in completely surrendering our lives to Him. Pastor Gary emphasizes the importance of allowing God to be the king of our lives. This act of letting go is crucial for Jesus to enact meaningful change in our lives.
Nebuchadnezzar: A Reflection of Us
In the Book of Daniel, we find the story of Nebuchadnezzar, a character that embodies the struggle many of us face. Nebuchadnezzar represents those who believe they are in control of their lives, attributing their success to personal efforts and skills. However, Pastor Gary reminds us that this mindset, much like Nebuchadnezzar’s, is rooted in arrogance. We often fail to recognize that God has a role in our achievements.
God’s pursuit of us reflects His desire to reign in our lives. As poet Francis Thomson described in “The Hound of Heaven,” God relentlessly chases after us, no matter how far we attempt to flee. His love drives Him to seek us, hoping we will eventually turn to Him and accept His grace. Just as with Nebuchadnezzar, God may allow us to face hardship to bring us to a point of surrender.
The Dream and Its Interpretation
In chapter four of Daniel, God gives Nebuchadnezzar a troubling dream that none of his wise men can interpret. This dream, which features a magnificent tree, serves as a metaphor for Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. Daniel, inspired by God, interprets the dream, revealing that Nebuchadnezzar is that tree, strong yet destined for judgment due to his pride and failure to glorify God.
God’s message through Daniel is clear: Nebuchadnezzar must recognize that the Most High rules over all kingdoms, including his own. The king’s pride leads to a dire prediction of his downfall, where he would lose his sanity and live like a beast until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty. This story illustrates the necessity of humility and the recognition of God’s ultimate authority in our lives.
Lessons from Nebuchadnezzar
Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar’s experience teaches us vital lessons about surrender and humility. He spends years in madness, yet through God’s mercy, he is restored. When he finally recognizes God as the true king, he praises Him, understanding that God’s dominion is everlasting. This transformation highlights the importance of acknowledging God in our lives rather than relying solely on ourselves.
As we reflect on the story of Nebuchadnezzar, we can ask ourselves: Who is king of our lives? Are we allowing God to rule, or are we clinging to our thrones? The journey towards surrender may involve challenges, but it is also a path to restoration and true freedom. God’s relentless pursuit of our hearts demonstrates His love and desire for a relationship with us.
To delve deeper into this message, consider how you can allow God to reign in your life. Remember, the first step is to let go and invite Him in completely. For further insights and to listen to Pastor Gary’s teachings, you can visit the Cornerstone Connection and explore the resources available.
Conclusion
In examining the question of who is king of your life, we see the compelling journey of Nebuchadnezzar as a reflection of our own struggles. It becomes clear that true freedom and restoration come from surrendering control to God. Just as Nebuchadnezzar faced the consequences of his pride, we too must confront the areas in our lives where we resist God’s authority. Ultimately, recognizing God as the true ruler leads to a transformative relationship filled with grace and purpose. Don’t hesitate to invite Him into your heart and let go of the reins. Embrace the peace and fulfillment that comes from having God as the King of your life. How will you respond to His call today?
Originally published as “Surrender: The King of Your Life” from Cornerstone Connection.