There is, about each
Christian, a not so subtle residual of rebellion. For some
it is subdued; for others it is kept as an outer garment to be
put on in a moments notice if circumstances dictate. For
all, it must be confessed and forsaken as the most odious of
sin. There is no time for Rebel’s ‘Minute Men’ in the
fight of faith. “For he addeth
rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and
multiplieth his words against GOD.” While sin
is sin is sin … there are some points of distinction regarding
it, to be found in the Word of GOD. ‘Secret’ sin can be
embedded to a level which even the sinner himself has to go looking to
find (cf. Psalm 19:12). A
‘besetting’ sin is that recurring kind which visits with some
regularity, but is not welcome. ‘Presumptuous’ sin shows
up with an invitation and is embraced as an old friend.
“Flee also youthful lusts …”
Sins that ‘overtake’ are the speedy ones which outrun the
spiritual sluggard, or happen upon us if we become wearied in
the race. Rebellion however, is the quick match able to
ignite them all; as volatile as nitroglycerin; and capable of
leaping over tall saints in a single bound.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft
… Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, HE hath also
rejected thee …” At the
essence of rebellion is the unpardonable sin!
Rebellion enters in when we
just simply lie down under the load of temptation, and like the
foolish ass, we refuse to move. The Psalmist rightly
recognized our propensity to walk with the LORD until the
incline of HIS steps become intolerable to us. Today's prayer in
Psalm 119:35 is a rare, but honest,
admission of inadequacy. Though there are many pleas in the Bible that
we might
be shown, taught, and\or led regarding GOD’S will of direction
and pace: “Shew me THY ways, O LORD;
teach me THY paths. Lead me in THY truth …”
Rebellion is truant to all that, it must be
made to go
the way it does not want. It is that
“body of death” Paul spoke of, which is lashed to
the believer till he\she reaches Heaven’s shores. The only
anecdote for rebellion is to take the
“sword of the SPIRIT”, kill it off, strap it on; and
be vigilant of any attempt on its part to revive along the way.
“Come
ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD … HE will teach
us of HIS ways, and we will walk in HIS paths …”