The Ministry of Commands and Chastisements
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Hebrews 12:9 (KJV)
No generation has been as rebellious and wicked as the one we live in; this generation exceeds all others in its display of anarchy, from governments and politicians, to terrorist groups and extremist organisations of the far left and far right, down to ordinary citizens. There seems to be an abandonment of laws and of the governing principles of life. Everyone has become a law unto himself. Children rebel against their parents; feminism is disrupting and destroying the institution of marriage; unregulated corporations have become more powerful than governments, shaping policy and legislation toward harmful ends.
The whole creation is in rebellion against God, and it seems that modern Christianity and its practices have been stained by it. You hear prominent pastors condoning sin and sinful living, making statements that accommodate divorce, homosexuality and same-sex relationships, and trust in pharmaceuticals, because we want to be accepted in this world. The Scripture says that friendship with the world is enmity with God, and that the world must hate a believer in Jesus, because it hated Him. So what is this mentality of seeking acceptance that we are witnessing in this Christian generation? The curse of Saul is upon us: choosing which of God's instructions we will obey. Something is wrong, and I want to try to show you the reason behind this global, destructive behaviour.
The reason for the destruction and chaos is the same one that caused the fall of Adam and of mankind: deviation from the authority of God, to follow strange voices. Disobedience to the divine structures of authority is eroding the lives and destinies of many individuals, households, churches and nations. Children, parents, married couples, ministers of the gospel and political leaders are listening to too many voices that oppose the voice and authority of God. God has established the flow of authority through laws, commands and instructions. In every institution, in every area of life, there are laws, commands and instructions God has set, and failure to cooperate with them will result in failure.
The governing authority:
- In marriage is the husband
- Over the child is the parents
- In the local church is the ministry gift, whether apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher
- In the body of Christ is Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit
- In the nation is the president and the government
- In the Kingdom is the King
- In the corporation is the chief executive and the board
One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to give personal and relevant commands and instructions to individuals, families and ministries, consistent with the will and purposes of God for them. Adam was commanded, not merely advised, and so man must be sensitive to the commands and instructions laid out in every structure of life in which he takes part. When Adam failed to keep the command, his whole life and destiny came crumbling down. Divine laws, commands and instructions are God's preservation system for your life. Be very careful how you relate to the different authorities in your life. Paul was careful to retract his words when he discovered that the one who had ordered him struck was the high priest. You obey the structures of authority for righteousness' sake, because it is right, and because God expects it of you. The ministry of commands and instructions is what protects your life. The integrity of the military depends on its members not breaking rank.
Beloved, if you desire to be happy in Jesus, there is no other way: you must obey. Study the ministry of Jesus. He functioned by commands. Whether He was healing, casting out a devil, teaching or performing a miracle, His authority and power were always expressed through commands, and those who benefited from His ministry were those who received and obeyed His commands. Authority operates along these lines, and so failure and suffering in life can always be traced to some law, command or chastisement disregarded.
Lastly, do not adopt a wisdom that undermines the authority of the Scriptures. Keep true to God's template for life and living. Obey the relevant structures of authority in your life, and the stain of rebellion on humanity will not attract upon you the destruction that accompanies disobedience. It is a choice you must consciously cultivate and live by, or you may corrupt your life and your future.