September 2, 2009
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Submission to Authority Part Deux
This subject has continued to be on my mind, so I thought I'd list a few of the key stories in the Bible of men and women who either submitted to authority or didn't.
First, four examples of those who did NOT submit to authority:
Miriam and Aaron (Numbers 12) - They are Moses' brother and sister and they gossip about Moses behind his back and then make claims that they are at the same level of authority as Moses. CONSEQUENCE - God strongly rebukes them to their face and Miriam contracts leprosy for a week
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16) - Korah (of the priests) and some tribal leaders all rebel against Moses and Aaron and claim that they have just as much authority. They gather 250 leaders who want to take the priesthood from Aaron and change the structure of authority. CONSEQUENCE - God opens up the earth to swallow the three men and their families alive. Also, the 250 leaders who tried to put themselves above Aaron are consumed by God's fire. God isn't playing.
Gehazi (2Kings 5) - Gehazi is the prophet Elisha's servant. Elisha gives a clear word that nothing is to be taken in tribute from Naaman after healing the man. Gehazi questions Elisha's decision and decides to ask Naaman for a gift. He pursues Naaman and receives gifts from him. Through the Spirit, Elisha finds out about Gehazi's disobedience. CONSEQUENCE - Gehazi and his descendants are cursed with leprosy. God isn't playing.
Uzziah (2Chronicles 26) - Uzziah is a great king of Judah who becomes very powerful. But his pride gets the best of him and he tries to step over the authorities of the priests, entering the temple of God and burning incense. He becomes angry at the priests who try and stop him. CONSEQUENCE - Uzziah is struck with leprosy and excluded from God's temple until the day of his death. God isn't playing.
Next, three examples of those who DID submit to authority:
Joseph (Genesis 39 - 41) - Joseph submits to the authority of Potiphar and is soon put in charge of the household, despite having been a slave. Later he submits to the authority in prison and becomes in charge of the prisoners. Later he submits to Pharoah's authority and interprets his dreams and then faithfully and diligently serves him. CONSEQUENCE - Joseph becomes second in all of Egypt and saves the nation, neighboring nations, and his own family from a horrible famine. He receives great favor from Pharoah.
Daniel (Daniel 4) - Daniel is under King Nebuchadnezzar's authority and is called to interpret a dream. Despite Nebuchadnezzar having destroyed Daniel's country and being known as an eccentric, pagan king, Daniel still submits to authority and even wishes for the best for his employer (Daniel 4:19). CONSEQUENCE - Daniel's continual submission to authority (in other chapters as well) results in him eventually being made second in the kingdom and receiving great favor from those in authority.
David (BEST EXAMPLE OF ALL... 1Samuel 16 - 2Samuel 1) - David is under King Saul's authority. King Saul, out of jealous rage, attempts to take David's life multiple times. Never will David lift up his hand against Saul or speak poorly of him. When he has opportunities to take Saul's life, he tells his friends repeatedly, "Surely I will not lift up my hand to the Lord's anointed." David understands that authorities are set by God so he would not slander or attack Saul, despites Saul's sinful actions. CONSEQUENCE - David becomes king of Judah and then of all Israel. He is considered the greatest king in the Bible and the Messiah would eventually come from his descendants.
1Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
