Saturday, September 2, 2023
HONOUR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY – Pastor Chris
…… He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm(Psalm 105:14-15)
In Numbers 12:1-16, the Bible tells us how Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife. They questioned Moses’ authority and claimed that God could also speak through them. God heard their words and called them, along with Moses, to the Tabernacle.
There, He appeared to them in a pillar of cloud and rebuked Aaron and Miriam, affirming Moses’ unique position as His servant. He declared that, unlike the other prophets that He spoke to through visions and dreams, He spoke to Moses face to face, revealing His glory, and He queried Aaron and Miriam whod dared to speak against His chosen servant.
Here’s what I want you to notice as a consequence of their error; the Bible says, “…the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed” (Numbers 12:9). He gets angry and what does He do? He “walks away!” But here’s the thing: when the presence of God leaves like that, trouble comes.
There are many people who don’t realize this is what happens to them when they get unruly, create insurrection, become disobedient and dishonour authority in the house of God. They don’t even know when the presence of God leaves.
It also brings to mind the story of Samson. The Lord was always with him until he disobeyed. When the enemy came, Samson woke up thinking, “…l get loose and go free, as always.” He did not know that the LORD had left him” (Judges 16:20 GNT). The Spirit of God didn’t come on him as He used to, and the enemies got a hold of him and took out his eyes.
It’s important to honour the Lord always, follow His Word and His ways, and never dishonour spiritual authority as Aaron and Miriam did. Don’t speak against God’s ministers; don’t judge them. Remember what the Bible says: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). Hallelujah!
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PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for my leaders and those you’ve placed in positions of authority over me to nurture, train, and bring me up in the path of truth and righteousness. I willingly yield to the guidance and direction they provide by the Spirit. Your nature of love and humility of Christ are manifest in and through me always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 13:17 – Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].
Romans 13:1-3 – Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. 2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]. 3 For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation.
Acts 23:1-5 – Then Paul, gazing earnestly at the council (Sanhedrin), said, Brethren, I have lived before God, doing my duty with a perfectly good conscience until this very day [as a citizen, a true and loyal Jew]. 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those who stood near him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit as a judge to try me in accordance with the Law, and yet in defiance of the Law you order me to be struck? 4 Those who stood near exclaimed, Do you rail at and insult the high priest of God? 5 And Paul said, I was not conscious, brethren, that he was a high priest; for the Scripture says, You shall not speak ill of a ruler of your people.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 & Proverbs 10-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:19-26 & 1 Samuel 21
