God Defends Authority

God given authorities can count on Him to defend them if they remain in covenant relationship with Him. Though there are several God ordained authority structures mentioned in scripture such as business (masters and servants), family, (husband, wife, children) government (the state) and the church (priesthood), I want to focus on just two. God has intended that His ordained authority structures be sovereign with boundaries that should never be violated by another authority.

We do not live in a perfect world and many in authority have lost sight of the One who has empowered them. When God’s design is not followed boundaries become blurred and one authority can step into areas that were intended for another even with no evil intent. But we all too often experience abusive authorities that misuse their positions. The following stories from scripture show just how serious God is about the sovereignty of His established authority structures and His defense of those who remain in and honor covenant relationships.

God defends the family

A family that is in covenant relationship with God has a mighty partner to defend them. When the state overstepped its boundaries and violated a sovereign family, we see God take action. In 1 Kings 21, King Ahab wanted the vineyard of his neighbor Naboth and offered to buy or trade him another vineyard in its place. Naboth refused the King’s offer because he treasured the inheritance he had received from his fathers. Naboth made it clear that the land was to remain in the family and surely he wanted to be a good steward of it. As a result Ahab became so sad he refused to eat and even remained in bed. As the story continues, Jezebel his wife asked him if he was not ruler over all Israel. She challenged him to rethink the boundaries of his authority as king and suggested he had the right do what ever he wanted. She then devised an evil plan to kill Naboth and seize his property. Ahab allowed her to take over and run with her plan to falsely accuse Naboth that he might be stoned to death.

This is an example of a government authority ignoring God given boundaries and the authority structure of the family. Naboth received an inheritance passed down by his fathers. It was not to be sold or traded but preserved for succeeding generations. When the state violated the family it invited the wrath of God. God spoke to Elijah and gave him the following word for Ahab. “Where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, so shall the dogs lick your blood.” In this instance we see God defending the authority of the house of Naboth. The king used his authority to violate the sovereign authority of Naboth’s family through manipulation. In turn God sent Elijah to decree judgment upon Ahab and his family.

In yet another case recorded in Genesis 14 God defends Abraham’s nephew Lot because of the family covenant. Lot and his family were taken captive by invading armies along with all the people of the city of Sodom. When Abraham heard of it he sent his 318 men to their rescue. Because Lot was part of the covenant family with Abraham, God came to their defense empowering the small number of men to defeat armies and regain all the captives and all the goods that were stolen. The whole city of Sodom, even though wicked, benefited from God’s covenant promise to one family that lived among them.

God defends the Priesthood

In another case God defends the sovereign authority of the priesthood. In 2nd Chronicles 26 we read of Uzziah the king entering the temple to burn incense. The authority to do so was given only to the priesthood, the sons of Aaron. The scripture says that Uzziah had just finished admiring all the powerful weapons and armaments he had developed and was feeling mighty and strong. In that moment of feeling great strength he stepped beyond his authority to offer burnt incense to God. When confronted by the priests in the temple he became angry. The thought of there being an area that was off limits to him was maddening. In his failure to honor the boundaries and authority of the priesthood he became leprous. In that moment we see God acting to preserve His divine authority structures.

In yet another instance recorded in 1 Samuel 13, King Saul and the people of Israel gathered together as Samuel the priest was to offer a sacrifice to God. Samuel was running late and Saul became impatient while waiting for him to show up. Saul saw that the people were also becoming restless and began to leave the scene. Saul then stepped in and offered the sacrifices that God had given Samuel the authority to do. When Samuel finally arrived and saw what Saul had done the word of the Lord came to Samuel saying that Saul’s actions would cost him his position as king.

Why do you suppose we do not see this kind of divine intervention when the state violates the authority of the family or the church? One might say it is because we are living under grace today and not the law. But we do see an example in the book of Acts chapter 12 where Herod was eaten alive by worms because of his persistence in violating the church and failing to recognize God as the highest authority. Herod stretched forth his hands to afflict certain leaders of the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword and because he saw that it pleased the Jews he proceeded to take Peter as well. The church prayed and God intervened by sending an angel to set Peter free and He later smote the king.

When God’s people honor all who are in authority and do not take maters into their own hands God will in His own time and in His own way defend His people. We are to curse not and bring no accusation against them, even those who have an evil agenda. Second Peter chapter 2 verses 10 and 11 describe some who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness despising government, being presumptuous and self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels which are greater in power and might (than men) bring no railing accusation against them (authorities) before the Lord. In these verses Peter describes the evil product of false teaching that will come into the church. These false teachers obviously taught that speaking against government officials was the proper way to bring about needed change. This idea is still propagated by false teachers today.

In the book of Jude verses 8 and 9 we read of a group of people described as filthy dreamers who defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel when contending with the devil about the body of Moses dare not bring against him a railing accusation, but said “The Lord rebuke thee.”

These portions of scripture make it clear what God thinks about speaking evil and accusing those in positions of authority. Even Michael the archangel would not speak against Satan, the one who had fallen from heaven in rebellion but left it up to God himself to speak the rebuke. Though Satan totally misused and abused his God given position to the point of being cast down from heaven, Michael refused to dishonor him lest it also reflect defilement back upon his own position. Becoming critical and judgmental of another sets the stage for our own demise.

We all want to see God intervene on our behalf and cut off our enemies but are we taking matters into our own hands and becoming a judge? We must take care not to follow the example of those who despise authority or speak accusations against them. Such things are false teaching and practices that only empower our enemy. We will not win the war waged upon the family and the church by hurling accusations at those in authority. That will only postpone God’s actions on our behalf. Honoring and praying for all who are in authority is God’s way for us to turn the battle over to Him and to see the victory.

Changing A Nation

Almost everyone agrees that America has been heading in the wrong direction financially, socially and morally, but there are few who agree on just how to correct our course. Some are so desperate for change they sign on to just about anything without understanding the long term affects of those changes. As Christians we know it is impossible to steer a nation in the right direction without God’s help and guidance. Since many of our elected leaders do not believe or trust in God they especially need our prayers just as all do.

God’s People have more power to change the political landscape of a nation through thanksgiving and prayer than through the ballot box. We all should participate in elections, but as Christians we have something more powerful than our vote. Changing the ruling party or replacing individuals in office may be necessary but history reveals it has not resulted in turning our nation toward righteousness. God has given us the recipe in His word for bringing about the transformation of a nation.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV

Many elected officials do not embrace the same values and beliefs that most Christians do and consequently make unrighteous and unwise decisions. The natural tendency is to get caught up in complaints and criticism rather than holding them up in prayer. The bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue and the tongue is like a flame that is set on fire of hell. With our tongue we bless God then turn and curse men who are made in His image. (See James 3) The very fact that all men are made in God’s image is reason enough to thank God for them even for those who lack righteous standards. Our thanksgiving and prayer of blessing has the power to set them up for divine influence.

Those in darkness will see a great light. God Himself first turned on the light as He began to transform the earth. (See Genesis 1) How can we complain about our elected officials making seemingly blind choices while we are the ones holding the light? Jesus came as the light of the world then gave us His glory that we might be a light in the darkness. Complaints and criticism only reinforce the darkness while praise and thankfulness sends it fleeing in confusion. Coming out of darkness into a bright light can actually have a blinding effect. We must not assume failure if at first the light is rejected but allow time for their eyes to adjust so to speak.

We know that God’s desire is that all nations yield to His standards of righteousness and justice but we must understand His ways to accomplish that end. Romans chapter 13 tells us God has ordained earthly government officials as ministers that are not opposed to good but to evil. We are to be subject to them with all due respect. To honor those in authority is to honor God. I know it is difficult to honor someone who does not honor God himself but we honor the position which God established regardless of the person’s beliefs or actions. Though some leaders promote unrighteous standards God’s way of turning them around is not by our opposition.

There are examples in scripture of righteous men and women who influenced nations for good. Daniel honored the king of Babylon without compromising his own personal righteousness. He was a light in a dark place and eventually found favor and influence with king Nebuchadnezzar. Though living in a foreign land and called by a strange name, Daniel stood strong and confident in God and in his own identity. He was associated with the magicians and sorcerers of Egypt and many likely thought he was just another one of them, but at just the right time God put him on display. When none of the king’s wise men knew his dream and its interpretation he commanded that they all be put to death. One might think the death of all Egypt’s sorcerers would be God’s justice but Daniel prevented their execution by stepping into their shoes so to speak revealing the king’s dream and its interpretation. He patiently waited for God to set the stage that he might shine and be proven to be of a different spirit. Through honoring the king and in a sense covering the failure of those who had no answers, Daniel lighted up the darkness. (See Daniel chapter 1) Who among us today serves patiently and quietly behind the scene waiting for that perfect moment when the king needs answers to the most perplexing problems? Who will humbly stand having answers from God without shaming the long trusted wise men that are at a loss for words but will rather save their bacon if you will?

Thanksgiving and prayer leads to sanctification.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 1Tim 4:1-6 NKJV

This portion of scripture speaks of those who departed from the faith. Their misguided attempt at righteousness and holiness led to abstinence and separating themselves from the very things God declared holy, clean and acceptable. Their form of sanctification resulted in division rather than unity. In Acts 10 God gave Peter a vision of unclean animals and told him to kill and eat. Peter refused reminding God that he had never eaten anything unclean. The vision was God’s way of showing Peter that He had made acceptable and clean that which was formerly unclean, including the gentiles who were formerly excluded from the Jewish covenant.

Doctrines of demons arise from the word of God appearing to be authentic yet lacking the element of a love relationship. His word is perverted and misapplied to lead believers away from the faith. Faith gives thanks and sees the end result from the beginning without complaining or criticizing. Applying this principal to our view of elected officials brings them into the light and under the influence of heavenly wisdom. They are separated from darkness and brought into the light of heaven.

Paul speaks of another sanctification process in 1 Corinthians 7:14. The unbelieving husband is sanctified by his believing wife so that their children are not unclean. As the believing wife honors and prays with thankfulness for her unbelieving husband he is set apart from the atmosphere of this cursed world under the influence of God’s Spirit. Though each person has to receive Christ by their own will, this sanctification creates a canopy of divine influence. The unclean is sanctified by the word of God as we agree with and speak what He says. God will influence those we hold up in prayer with thanksgiving.

Our elected officials, believers or non, can be set apart and made open to receive divine instructions if we will bless them and speak God’s word and will over them. God wants to receive the glory for turning the hearts of leaders who oppose Him. Pointing out faults and speaking correction will not bring about godly change but will actually hinder the work of God.

We can also apply the advice Peter gave to women who have unsaved husbands. In my own shortened version of 1 Peter 3: 1-4 he said, “Do not try to win them by preaching the bible or by appealing to their natural senses but through the submission of a meek and quiet spirit.” In other words allow the good work of Christ within to speak to their heart. Let the fruit of the Spirit in our lives to be the attraction rather than leaning on our own knowledge and understanding.

God has voted His people into office, we are His elect leaders. As intercessors we can not look for neutral ground and think we can just watch this battle unfold, we are either for Christ or against Him. We can choose to cry out to God for mercy and forgiveness on behalf those who do not see or we can be used by the accuser to continually remind God of sins He has already paid for and defeated. We must approach these issues with humility and a servant heart knowing the victory is ours. Though the battle is the Lord’s and the victory is assured we only realize it through giving thanks for all men in every circumstance, and blessing those who oppose us.

Joseph is an excellent example. He knew he was destined for greatness yet he did not exalt himself or criticize those over him. Even while unjustly imprisoned, he served his way to a place of authority. He did not campaign against the present leadership pointing out their faults but showed excellence in wisdom and was of a different spirit. He came along side those in authority and served them honorably. Even when falsely accused and imprisoned, he maintained humility and did not take on a victim mentality.

In this present age, those in darkness are held under the influence of principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. It is God’s plan for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in heaven. Praying in faith first affects change in the unseen realm before it is manifest in the natural. As we take our place in intercession and giving thanks for all men, blessing and not cursing, the darkness will retreat and divine influence will dominate earth’s atmosphere. Those who are in darkness shall see a great light. Leaders who formerly made poor decisions and passed unjust laws will see the truth because of the light. We know the scripture itself is a lamp and a light unto our path, but even the best of us need the illumination of God’s Spirit to bring revelation and understanding to it. Quoting scripture alone will not chase out darkness without that heavenly light being turned on. The light switch is moved by our tongue. Praise and thanksgiving to God for all men turns it on while complaints and criticism turns it off. How much power is that? Do we even have a clue?

May the church be the light that reveals God’s truth to those in darkness, not by our words of correction but through honoring and serving those in authority. May our own praise and thanksgiving draw down the atmosphere of heaven to earth that the lost might taste and see that He is good.

60:1-3 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. NKJV