The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Monday, November 14, 2022

THE PLACE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

It is important that believers understand the place of giving honor to Spiritual authority. We live in a “woke” generation and many of us have decided to place the bible aside when it comes to spiritual authority. One of the reasons many people don’t experience the power of God in their lives is because they are not submissive to spiritual authority; they have no regard for spiritual authority. 1 Peter 2:17 “Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” (MSG) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 “And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” (MSG) The scripture makes it clear that certain individuals in the Church have authority over us, however, in the Lord and we are to honor those people and show them appreciation and love whichever way possible. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to come to a place where we look at them as ordinary people but rather as Vessels unto honor.

One thing that has eroded many believers of their blessings is the factor of “overfamiliarity”. In scripture, we have many instances where overfamiliarity has robbed men and even cities of their blessing. The people couldn’t accept the ministry of Jesus because they were too familiar with His ministry. They watched Him grow up, they saw him play with his peers, they showed him right from wrong, however, He was the anointed of the Lord and when he took the good news to his village, he had no mighty works. Without question, you might be more educated, more articulate, and more charismatic, but God chose that individual. Remember this 1 Corinthians 1:25 “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (NKJV)

In Numbers 12, we have another example, Aaron and Miriam dishonored Moses by criticizing him for marrying an African woman. Miriam was Moses' elder sister and had helped in raising him as a baby, she was a prophetess and Moses was her Spiritual leader. She dishonored him by speaking against him and God’s judgement was wrath. She was older but she dishonored him, this simply means age has nothing to do with spiritual reverence. The bible says “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2 Cor 4:7) Numbers 12: 1-2 “Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses behind his back because of his Cushite wife. They said, "Is it only through Moses that God speaks? Doesn't he also speak through us?" God overheard their talk.” It is important we learn to show respect for spiritual authority and stay away from people who speak negative things about our spiritual leaders in the Kingdom of God. You attract a blessing when you esteem your leaders.

Confession:

I declare no evil can befall me, no plague can come near my dwelling. I declare that because God’s love for me, I will call upon Him and He will set me above all my troubles, He will deliver me from all my fears and will honor me with His presence and power.

 Further Reading:

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

1 Peter 3:8 “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.”

Read through the Bible in 1 year:  Ezekiel 29:1-30:26 Hebrews 11:32-12:13 Psalm 112:1-10 Proverbs 27:17

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Eccl 4 & Ps 132