An umbrella, what's the good of it? Protection from rain and shine (in some sunny countries). So what happens if you get a hole in one (No, I'm not talking about golf)? You get wet, of course; or not so shielded from the sun. What if you get out from under that ole umbrella completely? You lose your protection entirely; right? Of course, right.Similarly, God puts various persons in authority over us to give us guidance and protection for our lives (Romans 13:1). I like the umbrella symbol of this which I've learned about from a seminar I went to many years ago; an IBLP*1 seminar. They use the umbrella as a symbol of God's chain of authority and command over us; God, who initiates the authority, is over all at the top of the umbrella.
Most of us will know how Moses came to be in a huge position of authority over the Israelites to lead them out of the land of Egypt into the Promised Land God had for them. That Promised Land later known as Israel but then inhabited by Canaanites. You can read all about it in the books of Exodus and Numbers in the Bible. Moses had actually been rather reluctant to do the job, but when he got "the call" from God, he did eventually obey God's bidding.
But Moses hadn't married a Hebrew woman and his sister Miriam and brother Aaron took exception to this and began to question Moses' authority; had God really put him in charge (Numbers 12:1-2)?! Oh, he hadn't seen that coming. Wow, his own brother and sister! God had something to say to this questioning of authority.
The Lord's response can be learned in Numbers 12:6-9. The Lord's "anger burned against Aaron and Miriam". Miriam became leprous and had to spend seven days outside the camp of Israel in shame. God had said that if her own father had spat in her face, she'd be unclean and disgraced for that long too. This was like God, her heavenly Father, 'spitting in her face' for the sin of questioning Moses' authority. I'm not sure why Aaron didn't have any repercussions but I do know that later on when he had made the golden calf for the Israelites to worship instead of worshiping God that he forfeited being able to go into the Promised Land.
The Lord sees the questioning of His authority and of those He puts into authority as an extremely serious offense.
There are other examples of this. One is when the whole community of Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, so much so, they wanted to stone them to death. Here they held God in contempt. This was the time they feared entering the Promised Land due to fear of giants living there. Thus they spurned God's gift; God's promise of new land, especially just for them! They didn't trust God to help them get victory. You can read this from Numbers 14:1-45.
Moses and Aaron were petrified then. Not at the possible stoning, rather at the turning against God and the disdain for His gift. Moses and Aaron fell face down, tore their clothes and pleaded with God not to totally destroy the Israelites. They made the pleas in verse 15-18 regarding God's reputation and character saying, "The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion" although He "doesn't leave the guilty unpunished". But they appealed to God in this way so the other nations wouldn't make a laughing stock out of Him nor His people.
Yet, as the verse said, God did forgive yet there are consequences of contempt for authority, for rebellion and disobedience. They must still be dealt with. The punishment came in the form of denying the grumblers and would-be 'stoners', entry into the Promised Land. They would wander the wilderness for forty years and die there. Furthermore, this not only affected them but also their 'innocent' children. The children would have to endure the hardships for all those forty years.
They all mourned, then; bitterly (vs 39, 44). In folly and presumption they try to make amends and go into battle without God's orders or blessing. Did they think their mourning got them more into God's favor? It was too late for that. Into battle they went and lost, badly.
So we, ourselves, need to beware of rebellion, disobedience, contempt of authority that we harbor in our own lives. Not only are they serious offenses in God's sight, they are punishable and often affect those near and dear to us.
In the case of the Israelites, it was NOT just one or too families affected but the WHOLE community!! How many thousands of them at the time? To get an idea of the number see Numbers 2 which lists the different divisions of each tribe and how they were arranged in camp. The figure for each tribe totals to thousands and added together were over 600,000 and that count didn't include the Levite tribe. Gauge the seriousness of disrespecting and disobeying God's authority. Read Numbers 15:31, 35 for further proof.
Human beings are slow learners. So far the Israelites have had two major lessons in 'obedience training', in learning to respect God's authority and those whom He puts in positions of authority. Moses' authority was questioned by his own siblings was one, and the failure to trust God to take them safely into the Promised Land, grumbling against Moses and Aaron, and holding God's gift in disdain is two. Now we will be surprised by a group who should have know better but whom became insolent and opposed God's chosen 'holy' ones.
This time, 250 well-known community leaders from the priestly tribe of the Levites oppose Moses and especially targeting Aaron's position of leadership as the high priest of God Most High. You can read about it in Numbers 16. These leaders were appointed members of the council. They think Moses and Aaron have set themselves above the Lord's assembly.
Moses is immediately on his face again (vs 4), this time on Aaron's behalf. He said the Lord will choose who is holy. So then he unfolded a plan of how to see how God designates who's who for which distinction (Read vs 18-35). Aaron joins Moses face down, beseeching God (vs 22) to spare the congregation of Israel and not to punish them for the sins of only one man.
The ringleaders: Korah, Dathan and Abiram, their wives and children are swallowed up by the earth. Their whole families and possessions, gone! The rest of the Israelites fled in terror. Fire came out from the Lord and "consumed the 250 men".
You'd think the survivors would learn the lesson real quick like, wouldn't you? But they couldn't leave it well enough alone. Read verses 41-50. The very next day the WHOLE community still dares to question!! They still dare to oppose!!
Moses and Aaron are really keeping their noses to the ground! They were helpless in themselves but they knew their resource was God and to Him they retreat to entreat. Quick action is needed so not all would be exterminated.
Significant that the high priest they questioned was the one doing his duty for them.
God was not yet finished, however. He has had enough of their 'upstarting' business. For once and for all He'll show the remaining Israelites, in a very definite way (as if the punishments already meted out weren't clear) whom His chosen high priest is.
Read Numbers 17 especially verses 5, 8, 10. So God had Moses get Aaron's staff and the staffs of the leaders, one per tribe to represent. Aaron's rod was well differentiated so no mistaking would ensue. The person whose staff would sprout overnight would be God's chosen one. Come morning, not only had Aaron's staff sprouted, it had "budded, blossomed, and produced almonds" (vs 8). Clear? Of course, clear. God's mercy and His love for His children came through despite all the rebellion, disrespect and disobedience. Does this mean we are 'safe' then if we also question God's authority and those He puts in authority over us?
Can we say..."Never mind, God is merciful!"? Reread Numbers 14:18a,b.
"The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished;..."
What about Numbers 14:20, 21...
"I have forgiven them...nevertheless..."
Ephesians 6:1-4 talks about obedience, honor and a promise of "going well and enjoyment of long life". Let us obey those in authority over us; remember there are consequences and hard lessons--hopefully learned--otherwise awaiting.
The Scripture says in Psalm 51:17,
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise"
God allows for repentance. He is a forgiving God. When we confess our sins "He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). What an awesome God and Savior we have. Let us bow to Him in submission and obedience.
The word 'submission' is going to pop up a bit more now. It goes hand in glove with the words authority and obey. Lets see a definition thereof, compliments of Google:
sub·mis·sionsəbˈmiSHən/nounnoun: submission1.the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.
"they were forced into submission"
synonyms: yielding, capitulation, acceptance, consent, compliance
"submission to authority"
The "superior force" in our context being God Himself, the Ultimate Superior Force of Authority. To Him, may we be yielding, in humbleness, honor and respect. He is our loving Heavenly Father. I do not believe that God forces us into submission however. He does compel but still leaves the choice up to us.
The New Testament records incidents of those who questioned the authority of Jesus and later of Paul; to mention two examples.
Jesus's Authority Questioned
Matthew 21:23-27. People were asking from whence Jesus got his authority. Was it from heaven or from men, the "chief priest and elders of the people" wanted to know. Perhaps they were just doing their job to protect the general populace of the Jewish community, keeping it 'safe' from false teachings. Yet again, I believe Jesus knew their hearts; the leaders were a jealous lot and afraid their leadership positions were in jeopardy. Thus a 'preemptive strike' to cast doubt on Jesus's credibility and integrity.
John 5:24-27. God gave Jesus life in Himself. God gave Jesus authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.
Jesus's reply in John 5:30...
"By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent Me."
Jesus Himself was content to be under the authority of His Father, God. He was always in submission to Him. Jesus is our wonderful, perfect example of how to relate to authority.
In John 5:31-40 we see four witnesses to confirm Jesus is who He says He is and therefore shows He has all authority for what He says and does. He is no man's debtor (Hebrews 6:10).
Jesus tells His questioners in verse 31 of John 5, if He "testifies about Himself then that testimony is not valid". Truth told. But He says He has other witnesses as well:
1. In verse 32 we read, John testifies as to who Jesus is;
2. Verse 36, Jesus's good works (miracles, healings, etc) testify as to who He is--God;
3. Verse 37, God Himself declared Jesus to be His Son at Jesus's baptism; and
4. Verse 39, these Pharisees and lawyers study the Scriptures diligently--like saying to them "You read all that, come on, 'get it', you should put two and two together and know who I am!" Those very Scriptures (they would have been reading the Old Testament; there are something like 44 fulfilled prophecies in the Old Testament relating to Jesus and His coming to earth) testify.
Those are the four witnesses. If you jump ahead to John 8:17-18 you'll see that their own laws say they only need two or three witnesses to testify to have validity. The above makes four witnesses. So do they have any room to question Jesus's authority? NO, of course, not.
Paul's Authority Questioned
It appears that some of the Corinthians were looking down on Paul. Read 2 Corinthians 10:9-11; 11:5, 6). He may not have been a trained speaker but he does have knowledge. He said he does what he does as his " hope is that as your faith continues to grow", and his "areas of activity among them will greatly expand..." (2 Corinthians 10:15-16). Paul continued that he can't toot his own horn, he doesn't "approve" himself rather its the "one whom the Lord commends " to do the work (2 Corinthians 10:18).
The book of Acts explains that Paul and Barnabas, and later Paul and Silas were commended to the ministry through Holy Spirit guidance and that of the brothers (Acts 13:2-3; 15:40).
Another point we glean as Paul establishes his credibility, we see in Galatians 1:11-24. In verse 11 Paul tells his readers that what he teaches is not from man or anything he has made up, rather his message comes directly "by revelation from Jesus Christ". Back up and compare this with verse 8,
Paul, in his position of leadership was not worried to be questioned, as from the above mentioned establishment of his authority and credibility, we see his 'right' to be in such a position. It is praiseworthy to note that he does not boast of it, rather is humble in it and praises God to be able to do His work. In another place he wrote that he was the "worst of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15) and that God had given him "a thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12: 7) to keep him humble. I never used to like the apostle Paul very much but from reviewing as I write, I see he was a right decent chap.
"if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!"
In Ephesians 3:7-13 he speaks of the "grace given to me to preach..." God had given him his position of authority. In Philippians 3:2-10 he declares he has no "righteousness of his own...but that which is through faith in Christ" and that he wishes to become more like Christ. His focus is on his life for Christ.
Isn't this the depth of leadership we want nowadays? We need to be working on this in ourselves here and now and not be criticizing, slandering, etc those in authority above us. Encourage them all the day long. Build them up in their most holy faith; be part of the 'team' that pulls together "keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3) rather than tearing down and dividing. See 1 Thessalonians 2:6-12. The Thessalonians were witnesses to the care Paul and company gave to them and "so was God" of how "holy, righteous and blameless" they were "among them who believed". That's two witnesses: the Thessalonians and God. With such witnesses, the work and feelings of those in authority can flourish well for those under their care.
When those who are in authority need to give us instructions or reprove or rebuke us, it is not that they are being so "high and mighty" per se, but that it is by "the authority of the Lord Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 4:2). Paul went on to say, "it is God's will that you be sanctified..." (1 Thessalonians 4:3) thus we need to swallow our pride (it's not fattening) and accept our correction. (Let me say though--not blindly accept--establish from Scripture if you are truly in the wrong--no doubt Scriptures have been pointed out. Go to God in prayer and repent and confess what needs to be and get God's forgiveness and purification in those areas (1 John 1:9). If they are wrong, then by God's grace we really need to get our noses to the ground like Moses and Aaron were in the habit of doing and forgive those who are doing this to you and seek God for what you should do. In these we can develop meekness which is fruit of the Spirit and grow in grace. It is God who gives authority so when we submit, we submit to Him.)
There was a time when leadership rightly rebuked leadership. It was Paul rebuking Peter. In Paul's own writings he tells Timothy (1 Timothy 5:1) "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort as if he were your father..." I'm not exactly sure of the age difference between Paul and Peter but Peter was one of the twelve disciples, one of Jesus's inner circle of friends, Peter had 3000 people come to Christ in one of his preaching sessions, Peter was an eye witness to all Jesus had done and said, Peter was one of the twelve apostles. How dare Paul rebuke the "great" Peter?!
But leadership is not exempt from sinning nor are they exempt from rebuke and reproof. There's no 'diplomatic immunity' in God's way of dealing with sin. BUT there is a way in which to address those in authority. I believe there is also a criteria of the when and where, considering the particular situation. Look at Galatians 2:11-16 when Paul "opposed Peter to his face" and it seems to be in front of everybody too. I believe Paul was justified in so doing. There was some hypocrisy involved here and if left unattended would have cause doctrinal division.
"Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ". "Justified by faith in Jesus Christ". (Galatians 2:16).If Peter had been allowed to keep on doing what he had been doing he would have swung "the Law" back onto solid action. Peter had to come back to the plumb line of what God had revealed and instituted with this new covenant with mankind.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:9-10)
We don't read of Peter making a big fuss and kerfuffle about this. He must have known he was in the wrong and so righted himself catalyzed by Paul's faithfulness to God and His ways.
My point is, submit to God and you will submit to those in authority.
Having said that, I believe that any brother or sister in Christ who believes that even someone in a position of authority over them is in the wrong, that they have the responsibility to address the issue.
There are ways to do so. One was mentioned above. We also have Matthew 18:15-19 to show us the way. Just the two of you. If that doesn't help, then with two or three witnesses. If that still doesn't bring results then address the whole congregation.
For questioning leaders, beware, beware, beware. Be sure to have your two or three sincere witnesses.
"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning" (1 Timothy 5:19, 20). "Elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor..." (1 Timothy 5:17).All this finger pointing...I'd like to add a quotation from a little booklet entitled "Assembly Discipline" by one John Bloore. Bloore says,
"To exercise discipline in a manner suited to God, the assembly" (meaning a particular church congregation) "needs to be brought to see the sin of the individual as the sin of the assembly. The apostle" (Paul) " pressed this upon the Corinthians --sin and the evil doer are among you; ye have not mourned; put away from among yourselves" (1 Cor 5). Thus he would lead them to the conviction that the sin is theirs, as well as that of the man." *2
I think we all get the point of this pointing.
A few further Scriptures you may ponder on on this aspect of questioning authority are: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 4:14-21; 9:1-27 and 2 Corinthians 6:3-12. Our key to submission to the authority God has put into place is that the authority is from God (Romans 13:1). Let us keep that in mind.
Paul was an exemplary leader. He gets on with his job despite rebuffs. He doesn't dwell on them but does warn others about troublemakers such as Alexander the coppersmith who had done him "much harm" (2 Timothy 4:14) and the disappointment of a promising young brother Demas whom he may have been mentoring but who had "deserted" him (2 Timothy 4:10).
The times his authority may have been questioned or his person held in contempt, he briefly acknowledges and adds his comments, some of which we've seen already. He doesn't fly off the handle though. As he writes his various letters to the various assemblies or individuals he does teach by word and action how to be a leader and how to submit to authority.
"Yes," he says, he may have a speaking ability problem (2 Corinthians 11:4-6) but counters that he has knowledge and that God gave him the authority to build up the Corinthians, not to tear them down (2 Corinthians 10:8-11). He received his teaching, position and authority from God (Galatians 1:11-24; Ephesians 3:7-13). He doesn't dwell on his past pedigree and good points but is determined to use his life for God and the good of the Lord's people.
He has encountered strong opposition and false teachers but doesn't let them hinder him. He focuses on his tasks and gets on with his responsibilities. He helps others in their roles; eg. Timothy and Titus.
His naming of the troublemakers shouldn't be seen as slander but warning for other leaders and believers in general to be wary of the danger in pandering to them. He doesn't let any of that stop him from his teaching and preaching even when he gets shut up in prison or under times of his house arrest.
We have covered the ground of how to treat a person, mostly of those within the family of God who are in positions of authority. Treat them with double honor, don't accept accusation against an elder unless you're sure of two or three sincere witnesses, and treat the elder person as a son entreats a father--with respect. We saw that Paul did entreat Peter (Galatians 2:11) and that in the public arena.
Paul himself was rebuked in public for his speaking strongly and disrespectfully to a man he didn't realize was the high priest. Paul had basically called the guy a two-faced hypocrite (which the guy may well have been). Paul immediately apologized when he is told who the fellow was. Let us also be sensitive to such corrections and not take overblown offense. Acknowledge our faults and repent thereof making remuneration in word, deed, or in whatever way the situation demands.
There are sundry ways to show our respect, honor and submission to authority. That authority being either within the church; within our family (husband-wife; wife to husband; children to parents); or within the country in which one lives.
Galatians 6:1-5 leads us to be responsible for our own actions
Ephesians 5:21 asks us to "submit to each other out of reverence for Christ.
Romans 13:1-5 tells us to submit to authority, even when we don't like it; don't rebel; God puts us under certain authority for His good reasons.
We can demonstrate our submission to the country's powers-that-be by paying taxes, respect and honor (Roman 13:6-7). Further to that we need to pray for them. Why? So we can live in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:2).
1 Corinthians 14:34-35, now here's a touchy one..."women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says...it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church". If we sisters truly wish to obey God and be submitted to Him we will zip the lip. I have found that in a place where the women do say a fair bit, that the men will take a back seat and let the women have their say, relinquishing their given-by-God responsibility of spiritual leadership! (This is a whole other kettle of fish we won't 'catch' here.)
These verses can be coupled to 1 Corinthians 11:10, "women ought to have a sign of authority on her head"! She can pray apparently but with a sign of authority on her head meaning some sort of head covering (1 Corinthians 11:4).
This "sign of authority" is meant to show our submission to God, not to men. Not to be put down and squashed by man. But to show, on behalf of all Christians, we honor God and submit to Him. People cannot see the chain of God's command but they can see the sign of it.
We sisters-in-Christ should feel honored to be singled out by God Himself to "show off" His authority. I really hope you sisters can grasp this. Grasp it as an honor not as an insult to our
When most brides and grooms marry, they are honored to wear a wedding ring as a sign of their enduring love and attachment, fidelity, faithfulness and pledge to each other. Many people wear crosses around their necks to say they are Christians. These are visible signs evidencing their code-of-honor and beliefs. There are those who would say the head covering is out of date or was some cultural thing of the past or that only certain world religions force their women to cover up. Those cover ups are for a vastly different reason to what God has intended for we sisters-in-Christ!
If you examine the Scripture of 1 Corinthians 11:8-10 you'll discover other reasons for the head covering besides being a "sign of authority on her head". We may not always understand God's reasonings but the crux of the matter is submission to His authority in our lives. Are we willing submit to Him? Are we? Then even if we don't understand we will submit to Him.
Verses 7 and 8 state reason #1: "woman is the glory of man" and for the sister to cover "her glory"; "the man did not come from the woman but the woman from the man". Verse 9: "neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
Verse 10 (NIV) states reason # 2: "because of the angels".
Now I won't pretend I understand those reasons but there they are in God's Word, written in black and white. These reasons also don't seem to be cultural. There is something further...
To top the above off, go back to the opening remarks of the letter to the Corinthians and read 1 Corinthians 1:2 and note the wording. Not only was this epistle written to the Corinthians but it was to "those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours." So you see, this is all still relevant to our day and age. No loophole that I can see. I still need to wear that "sign of authority" as the man must remove any such head covering (1 Corinthians 11:4) in the presence of God as we worship Him and talk with Him. Do you wish to question Him on this? He alone is worthy of all honor and praise and obedience from us His children. Amen.
Sisters-in-Christ, we have the privilege to show God's authority, not only in our individual lives but in what should be the whole attitude of the collective church, the bride of Christ.
God's covering of protection for each and every believer in Christ is His authority. His authority sanctioned in the various people in our lives, be it: parents, church leaders, teachers at school, employers or governors of the land we live in. We need to keep under His radar, or as we started out with, His 'umbrella'. As actions speak louder than words, keep an umbrella nearby to remind yourself always; unless of course, you are worshiping God and praying, then sisters, don the head covering. Let us not question God's authority in our lives; rather submit, with our hearts, to Him.
~ERC 2016~
Bibliography and Notes
1. IBLP=Institute for Basic Life Principles. I believe they are good. However some may have learned that the founder has been under the radar of the USA law (you can Google and find out for yourselves). Please don't throw the whole thing away just because of the founder's wrong doings.
2. Assembly Discipline by John Bloore; Walterick Printing Co. Fort dodge, Iowa, 1956; page 11.
3. All Bible passages have been taken from the Classics Devotional Bible NIV; The Zondervan Corp 1996, Grand Rapids, MI 49530 USA.
