Ask the Pastor #1

Welcome back to our "Ask the Pastor" series, where we delve into the deep and often complex questions about our faith.

Today, we address a thought-provoking inquiry from Ronald in California. Ronald asks, "Since you believe in the Trinity—that God the Father, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit are coequal and coeternal—why is Yeshua 'following' the Father's laws? If He is God, He by definition is not subjugated to God the Father since they are coequal."

This question touches on the core of our understanding of the nature of God and His manifestation in the world. Let's explore this together, drawing insights from Scripture and the historical context of ancient Israelite monarchy.

The Concept of Co-Regency in Ancient Israel

In ancient Israel, the relationship between a king and his appointed co-regent, often his son, provides a useful analogy for understanding the dynamic between Yeshua and the Father. When a king appointed his son as co-regent, the son ruled with real authority, albeit under the overarching sovereignty of his father. This did not diminish the king's authority but extended it through his son, who acted on his behalf and under his guidance.

An example from the Bible is when Solomon began to reign alongside his father David. Though David was still formally the king, Solomon took on significant responsibilities and exercised authority as a king under David's oversight, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:1. This co-regency allowed Solomon to act with the authority of the king, shaping his future reign.

Yeshua's Role: The Divine Co-Regent

Drawing a parallel to the Trinity, Yeshua, while being fully divine, chose to enter into human history with a specific role. He stated, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30), affirming His divine nature and unity with the Father. Yet, He also declared, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). This indicates His mission to fulfill the Father's divine plan, akin to the role of a co-regent.

Philippians 2:6-8 further illustrates this concept, where Paul describes Yeshua's incarnation: "Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men." Like a prince willingly taking on a role designated by the king, Yeshua embraced human limitations to accomplish a divine purpose—our redemption.

The Implications of Divine Unity and Distinct Roles

This dynamic within the Trinity—where the Father and the Son are coequal and coeternal, yet engage in distinct roles—reflects a perfect unity and order. It is not about inequality but about a harmonious operation within the Godhead to achieve the ultimate purpose of salvation and to reveal God's love to humanity.

Yeshua’s submission to the Father's will, therefore, is not a sign of subjugation but an expression of their unified divine purpose. This relational dynamic is a profound demonstration of love and commitment to the Father's plan, providing us a model of obedience and trust.

Invitation to Explore Further

This brief exploration into the relationship between Yeshua and the Father offers a glimpse into the profound unity and complexity of the Trinity. We invite you to ponder these truths and consider their implications for our understanding of God and His workings in the world.
If Ronald’s question has sparked further questions or thoughts, or if you have other queries about our faith, we encourage you to reach out. Visit us at cornerfringedixon.com to submit your questions. We look forward to exploring more of these profound topics together in our "Ask the Pastor" series.

Thank you, Ronald, for your question, and thank you to all our readers who join us in this journey of faith and understanding. Let’s continue to seek answers and grow together in our knowledge of God.