Saturday, 2 September 2023
HONOUR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY
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 who'd 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, "...I'll 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!
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; Romans 13:1-3; Acts 23:1-5
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