SCRIPTURE:
“Then they plotted among themselves, ‘Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!’”
Numbers 14:4 (NLT)
MESSAGE:
Now that we considered the demonic spirit of fear in part 3, we move to the spirit of rebellion. If we allow the spirits of entitlement and fear to run roughshod in our lives, they will often lead us to full-scale revolt. Rebellion is something that God takes very seriously. The Apostle Paul tells us that no authority rules without permission from God. (Rom 13:1) This can be a tough pill to swallow, especially for those of us in Western civilization where politics are sometimes a full contact sport. Don’t get me wrong, our system of government, gives us the right and the responsibility to let our voice be heard – especially when our ideals are firmly rooted in the Word of God. What we do not have the right to do, is slander and gossip those that lead us.
Even ungodly leaders can be used by God to point us in the right direction. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Daniel. He served an original anti-christ who put the Prophet in a Lion’s Den as a means of executing him just because he prayed. When God miraculously saved Daniel from becoming meow mix, he cried out from the pit, “O King live forever.” Let’s admit it, most of us would be far less noble. We probably would have invited the dictator to join us for dinner.
When King Saul disobeyed God’s command to destroy the entirety of Amalek’s kingdom, God came down hard. Saul told Samuel that he had acted out of fear, and although he tried to justify keeping the best of the sheep -by saying he was planning to sacrifice them to God -the Prophet stated clearly, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Sam 15:22) He went on to say, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Sam 15:23 KJV) Obviously God does not take rebellion lightly.
When we feel mistreated or frustrated by leaders, we often want someone to sympathize with us, but we must be careful who we talk to. A good godly friend will encourage us to be patient and have faith in God. They will pray with us that God will change the leader’s heart or our circumstances. We should avoid less disciplined people who simply agree with us and help us work ourselves into a spirit of rebellion. Even if we get what we want, God will hold us accountable for our approach.
PRAYER:
Father God, thank You for the leaders you give us – the good and the bad. We recognize that in your wisdom you sometimes allow ungodly leaders to rule over us so that we might cry out to you in repentance and humility. We pray for them with even more fervency than the ones that follow your path, because they need you and we greatly desire godly leaders who will lead us into peace and safety. Bless us today and keep us far from the path of rebellion. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen!