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.