The relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is perfect and complete. The oneness they share cannot be separated or even wedged. It is a relationship of perfect and constant submission.
Jesus was clear that everything He did was out of submission to the Father. The Father has always been clear that He exalts the name of Jesus above every other name. The Holy Spirit never attempts to spotlight Himself, but instead He always shines on what God the Father and God the Son are doing. Three in One, able to operate in perfect unity. Wow.
The Father sent the Son. The Son sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sends you and me. There is a relationship of oneness described in this that is so intimate and integrated it is hard to comprehend. Each member of the Trinity has the power of the Godhead. And yet, each member willingly submits that power to the other.
We were created in this image. We are powerful creatures who, within the context of that power, submit to others willingly. Bob Dylan was right when he said that we’re “gonna have to serve somebody.” Our design requires it. Service to self ends in disaster most of the time. Using our power for ourselves does not heal the deepest places within our broken hearts and somehow we know it.
Ephesians 5:21-33 gives us a picture of this kind of mutual submission, but within the context of our everyday relationships. As we submit to one another, we begin to live in the same kind of fellowship as the Trinity. He asks that wives point to their husbands and husbands to their wives. Children are to point to their parents in obedience and parents are to point to their children by not provoking them to anger. Bosses and employees are to point to each other in respect. These connections are not ends in and of themselves. God offers us these relationships to teach us more about Himself.
Jesus invites us into this fellowship. In Philippians 2 we learn that Jesus emptied Himself to become one of us, making a way for us to join in this intimacy with God. He is inviting our hearts to the center of His fellowship. God, through Jesus, is pointing to us first.
Isaiah 65:1-2 says, “I revealed Myself to those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call on My name I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations…” God is pointing to you. Will you point back?