For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king." – 1 Samuel 15v23
‘…Sweetly submitting to authority, leaving to God the rest…’
I know it must seem that I harp of submission to authority. I think the reason is that it is something that does not come naturally to me. There are far too many times when I think that I know better than those in authority know.
Rebellion’s partner in crime appears to be stubbornness. It doesn’t take much examination to realise that the core problem with both of these is self-centredness and pride. Saul’s action is a clear example of both of these.
Being known as a rebel can almost be a badge of honour. The high school I went too used the Rebel as their mascot. Cork proudly proclaims that they are the Rebel County. I am not being critical of those, after all they are only mascots and mottos. The problem comes when a rebel mindset creeps into the church.
God paints the sins of rebellion with a terribly ugly comparison. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Stubbornness is like idolatry. At the core of witchcraft is the concept of seeking leadership through some kind of pagan divination. Idolatry is putting something is a place of God. Both of these displace God from His rightful place. Rebellion and stubbornness do the same thing. Thy kick God off the altar and replace Him with the god of self will.
Rebel is an appellation which should never be applied to God’s people.
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