ABUSE OF GOD-GIVEN GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY
ABUSE OF GOD-GIVEN GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY
”And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” —I Kings 21:7-10
And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Have you killed and also taken possession?” ’And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.” ’ ”Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the LORD. —I Kings 21:19-20
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. —Matthew 20:25
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. —Mark 10:42
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. —Luke 22:25
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” —John 19:10-11
There are those in government who will use their power positions to get their way. So it was with Jezebel to get land for King Ahab her husband. What was in her evil repertoire?— Abuse of office, fraud, false communication, religious hypocrisy, false witnesses commanded what to say, falsely accusing rebellion against God, falsely accusing rebellion against the king, Naboth’s pre-determined execution, confiscation of Naboth’s family property. Any of this sound like today?
We need to be aware of the times, but not fret about the times we are in. There is nothing new with Jezebel’s abuse of power and we are naïve it we do not think this is not happening today. Go back through the list and you will see these same things occurring today. If is a fallen, sinful world and only those with blinders on cannot see these things.
But let us not fret. Pilate said to Jesus, “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus responded to him, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Those in power of been given those places of power and they will give account to Him who is above all authority whether they believe that or not. Yes, there are those who “lord it over the people” and “exercise authority over them.” There are many in authority to benefit themselves. But the One who has given them their positions of authority will answer to Him for the way they treated that authority.
I grateful my Father to know that You are the Ultimately Authority and nothing is escaping Your notice and all men, including myself, will stand before You one day to answer for the way we lived the life You have given us. May I live faithfully for You in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. May it be so! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtgIaMxrojw