Rewards of Rebellion



Let's take a deep dive into rebellion according to the Word of God. What is it and how does God view it. Bottom line, is it worth rebelling against our creator?

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..."

1 Samuel 15:23

Let's look at a few simple words here. 

Rebellion 

bitter, most rebellion,

From marah; bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious -- bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious).

see HEBREW marah

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Opposition to one in authority or dominance

Merriam Webster

We can see rebellion stems from bitterness and in this context, refuses God as the ultimate authority. Bitterness can result in a hard heart. It is also one of the hardest things to get rid of once its taken root in the heart. God compares it to witchcraft. 

Witchcraft 

pharmakeia: the use of medicine, drugs or spells

magic, sorcery, enchantment.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Does not witchcraft source its power from Satan himself, who is the utmost opposition to God? Following this, He compares stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry. Let's look at these words and their definitions as well.

Stubbornness 

Away, backsliding, rebellious, revolting, slide back, stubborn, withdrew

A primitive root; to turn away, i.e. (morally) be refractory -- X away, backsliding, rebellious, revolter(-ing), slide back, stubborn, withdrew.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance 

Idolatry 

Aven: trouble, sorrow, wickedness

affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourner, naught,

From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol -- affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain,vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare 'ayin.

see HEBREW 'ayin

Wow, what a combination there. Rebellion is quite a slap in the face to God! Who are we, as His creations, to usurp Him or His authority? It is quite an offense to Him, its deep! Is there any wonder why He detests such things?

If we claim to be his people, saved, redeemed and set free from sin by His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, how can we honestly refuse to honor, listen and obey? In all seriousness, this isn't a matter He takes lightly. As a matter of fact, the rest of the verse we're looking at reveals the deep consequences. 

"...Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." 1 Samuel 15:23-24

Saul placed his desire to please the people rather than obeying the Word of the Lord. It not only cost him his position in leadership and authority but also his relationship with God! Wow! His rewards for this rebellion resulted in ruin! 

Truth is there are many more accounts in Scripture of rebellion and its rewards. After all, it's a byproduct of our sin nature. May we carefully and prayerfully consider this incredibly important account in scripture as well as the thought provoking words of Tozer. Can you see the dangers in the rewards of rebellion both physically and spiritually?

Center of the Centurion

Center of the Centurion

"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matthew 8:13

For the full story, read Matthew 8:5-13. I love this account. What was the at the center of the centurion? PURE FAITH!!!

He, being a military commander knew the power of authority... speak it and it's done! This man had no problem asking Jesus to speak healing over his servant. Jesus was amazed at his faith and granted his petition. Isnt that amazing!?

This story should resonate with every believer in Christ! Sure, we pray. We ask for deliverance and healing, for peace and protection. We ask even for the impossible! How often though are we asking in PURE FAITH? We need to take a serious look, not necessarily at what we are asking for, but more so at the level of our faith.

James reminds us, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:6-7

Did you catch that KEY ingredient? "Nothing wavering"! What does that mean exactly? It means that we MUST cast away any doubt. Often times, we know God is able. We KNOW He can, but we 1/2 heartedly give it to Him.

In every petition, may we too have FAITH as the centurion. God knows, He sees. He knows the needs and He sees if we come to Him fully believing and trusting Him or if we kinda want to give it to Him, but allow doubts to excuse our holding on to the issue.

Heart check, can you see situations you've fully surrendered in faith? Now, consider the things you want to hold on to and in essence doubt God's ability, His timing and His authority. Can you see where doubt has won and where faith has had the victory?