-Devotion by Maria Knowlton (IN)
I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. -Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson wrote those words to James Madison in 1787 after a group of farmers physically fought their local government to protest high taxes. His argument was that rebellion is what keeps government accountable to the people it serves.
He may have had a point and many people have used this quote to justify many acts of rebellion. However, there is one area of our lives where rebellion leads to destruction.
In all three of our readings today, people participate in vile rebellion against God.
In Leviticus, God decrees what happens when actions meet consequences.
Praise God, follow His decrees, you will be richly blessed. Deny God, either by evil acts or general apathy, you will be cursed. It seems so odd that at time God spoke directly to His people, their society was set up to follow the decrees (at least physically) and the consequences immediate, that so many people so often turned from God.
But even centuries later, people were still rebelling in Psalm 14, denying His very existence. They were so rebellious, not only did they want to sin, they wanted to take down everyone with them. Hmmmm
In Matthew 27, we see the greatest rebellion of mankind. The denial of God (or at least His rule) and consequently His son, leads to the torture and death of our savior, Jesus.
Obviously, we know the outcome of that… but what has the outcome of that meant for you?
I wish I would have written it down.. but I saw a great quote that said something like, “ Don’t continue with the sin Jesus died to save you from.” When we sin, we are in rebellion against the God of the Universe. The One who made all and yet cares about the hairs on your head.
While Jefferson was talking about imperfect people rebelling against imperfect people to maintain justice, there is no need to rebel against the perfect One who cares for our every need. Allow the Lord to be your refuge in this world of rebellion.
Reflection Questions
- What do we learn about God in our readings today?
- Where have you seen rebellion against God today?
- How have you personally rebelled against God? Why? Have you experienced consequences from that rebellion? What would you tell others about your experience?
Prayer
Dear God – We praise You and thank You for being a just and true God of love and mercy who gave Your own Son for sinful, rebellious mankind, which includes me. I confess my times of rebellion. Help me see my own sins and rebellion and foolishness and turn from it. I seek You, Lord, and Your Way. Help me discern what is rebellion against You in the world today, and what leads to destruction. Help me speak for You, giving wisdom and warning from a heart of love for You and Your creation. Thank you for Your promises for those who follow You. May I be ready for Your Son’s return.
Seek Grow Love 