A Rebellious People

Rebellious people are usually prideful. They believe they are always right and want to have things their way even when they are opposing God.

God had showed me that pride goes hand in hand with this rebellious act. And, God is never pleased with either. In times of trial, the go to verse for nations in many cases is often - If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV. The fact is repentance from our rebellion and pride has to come before God hears us from heaven, forgives our sins and heals our land. This healing is conditional and not a right. We can go declaring and decreeing all we like, but if our hearts are not in the right place with God, then we declare and decree in vain. God is a gracious and merciful Father, but He will not be manipulated with eloquent words that come out of a heart that is filled with sin and is unrepentant.

Church folks speak of giving their time, talents and treasures and it has become almost cliché. Yet, God does not require our sacrifice, but our obedience. Undoubtedly, God knows the type of fruit that comes from our hearts. There have been several church leaders in different countries who have broken the law instituted by their various governmental bodies to limit gatherings as they believe they have a right to assemble, or that it is an act of faith to discount the rules put in place during this public health emergency. I know I have been called judgmental and told that I don’t know what God is doing in each of these persons. That is true, I don’t. God may have spoken to some of these leaders to assemble in a church building. But, we must remember that the building is not the body of Christ and God is not limited to an edifice.

And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” Luke 21:5-6 NASB

Jesus spoke about this happening when the end of time was near. We must never be so quick to cherish the building, because that could disappear in the blink of an eye. Many churches have gathered over the internet and have had spirit-filled prayer sessions and services, along with socializing while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. I saw a video of a Brazilian church on the streets with its members several feet apart from each other praying. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, church activities have been linked with the spread of the disease in different jurisdictions. One of the most concerning clusters in South Korea, developed when a lady flew into the country and unknowingly spread the disease to several congregants when she visited a church there. In San Francisco, a third of their COVID-19 cases are linked to church activities. When these stories go out, it can be a hindrance to the proliferation of the Gospel as church leaders continue to fight for rights instead of doing what is right in the eyes of God. Let us not forget that God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (See Matthew 5:45). Put in context, this verse is about loving those who do not love you. Should we as the children of God not love enough to set an example and help in deterring the spread of an extremely harmful disease that is bringing destruction to the whole world?

I believe God is doing a new thing in His body. He has seen how we have made the church building an idol and how worship has become more like a rock concert, pleasing man rather than Him. And, He is grieved. God is using this virus to infect His church with a new found love for Him, which cannot be restricted by a physical structure. What the enemy means for harm, God is working for good and to show His glory. There have been many testimonies of God’s goodness during this difficult period. Although many of us cry to Him to take us out of this trial. He is here with us to carry us through to be stronger spiritually and closer relationally to Him and others. God is calling us to cast our net on the other side of the boat. It may not make sense, but we must obey instead of trying to lean on our own understanding. He is ready to do some mighty things in and through His people, but we must be ready to change our rebellious ways and humbly submit to His will.

Years ago, after a horrendous experience in the infamous 9/11 tragedy, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I was told there was no cure. At the onset of this illness, I could barely leave the bed and walking was painful because my feet were so sore. For years I suffered with a number of symptoms in varying degrees. Some time later, I was given a set of CDs on the gifts of the Spirit to listen to and there was a sample CD in the case. I decided to hear what was on this CD, thinking it was more along the lines of the other CDs, but it wasn’t. The man spoke about territorial spirits that could have a negative effect on people in a variety of ways. He said to ask God what was the territorial spirit ruling over the area I was from. Sleepily, I queried God about the territorial spirit in Jamaica. He responded immediately – rebellion. It made perfect sense to me. We have lauded many of the rebellions throughout our history. And, indeed they were quite significant in securing the freedom from slavery. But, we may have gotten used to rebelling. Often we hear the cries of angry citizens on the news demanding, “We want justice,” without them truly comprehending that God’s view of justice goes hand in hand with walking humbly before Him and being merciful. But, I digress. Let me go back to the matter at hand. I immediately repented of my rebellion sluggishly as I was falling asleep. A couple days later, I recognized something was different. There was no longer any tingling in my legs and I could jump out of bed without hesitation when I woke up ready to tackle the work for the day. The CFS symptoms had made it challenging for me to get out of bed or stay awake in the mornings, and after days of tedious work the bottom of my feet would be so sore, it was difficult for me to walk. But, after I asked God to forgive me of my rebellion, I was completely healed. I had repented of rebellion, not expecting this favorable result. 

Let us not be considered as the Israelites were in Psalm 78:8 - A stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God. There is punishment for the rebellious - Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Psalm 107:17-18 NIV. The good news though, is God is willing to hear our cry.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,     and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them;     he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love     and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:19-21 NIV

During this time of trial, let us walk humbly before God, asking Him for forgiveness and turning from our sin, while submitting to His will. In His lovingkindness, He will rescue us in His time and in His way, even though we may not deserve it, but He is true to His character, a merciful and gracious God who abounds in love.