March 13 “Submit Yourselves, For the Lord’s Sake” 1 Peter 2:13-17NIV
***Thank you for the continued prayers for Annette! ***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17NIV)
What does the Bible say about “Honor?” What is the biblical definition for honor? The answer: As a noun, honor in the Bible means “esteem, value, or great respect.” To honor someone is to value him highly or bestow value upon him. The Bible exhorts us to express honor and esteem toward certain people: our parents, the aged, and those in authority! When I was growing up, I was taught to honor, those that were older than me, that is, the elderly. Mama told me that it was an expression of respect and it let others know that you “Had Some Raisin.” Every time that I read these words, I am more and more convinced, that we are to live dedicated and devoted lives that honor God and to present a clear message of hope for this sinful and depraved world! The words of 1 Peter were written during a time of great persecution of Christians, at the hands of the Emperor Nero. Wait a minute! Peter is telling “Believers” to “Honor” the Authorities and to “Submit Ourselves to Authorities?” What is he talking about? Again, the more that I read these amazing words; I begin to understand the message! It has everything to do with perspective, commitment and ATTITUDE! In the face of ignorance and hatred and down- right stupidity, we are to recognize that we are just passing through this place, in order, to arrive at our eternal home! Folks, it is obvious that there is a broad sweeping wave of “EVIL” that is covering our land, however, we cannot change this craziness! We can choose to be in the middle of the insanity or rise above it and to HONOR GOD and LIVE QUIET, DEVOTED LIVES, with the understanding that we are just passing through! Recently, I was challenged by my position and was told that I was a part of the problem. It was pointed out to me, that “weak leadership from America’s pulpits has contributed to “weak” Christians! Wow! “What should I do, in your opinion?” I was told that I should confront the Evil and that I needed to preach against the political evils that exist. Please be aware!! I understand the Evils that exist. I see the absolute insanity that has gripped so many, I am fully aware of the worldly evils, yet, again, this is not my home… The scriptures tell me that I am to live according to His will: “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” As true Followers of Christ, our Leadership is our GOD! Please do not entangle yourselves in the temporal issues of the day; that you cannot change, and that tarnishes your witness for Christ and the Blessed Hope that His Selfless Act at Calvary has brought to Mankind! So, I am amazed at the warped thought processes that instruct us to not use terms like, Mother and Daddy or His or Hers, or Sister or Brother, but to use non-gender specific terms that are not offensive! Yes, this is the most amazingly stupid thing that has existed, in my lifetime, yet, as difficult as it is, I refuse to use this craziness and I am committed to sharing the Love of God and to HONOR HIS WORD! Who do we serve? Where is our loyalty? What are we to do? We are to choose Jesus and live dedicated and “quiet” lives and “seek the face of God, and be an honest and steady example of HIS GREAT LOVE! Satan hates it when a True Believer lives with respect and honors God’s will for their lives! I am all about putting my finger in the eye of Satan!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!
(Something to repeat, DAILY! “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!!!)