Milk To Meat

[dave c]

simpletruth #138ad Revisited 28JUL10 salicart@msn.com

HOSEA 10:12—Part Thirty: Milk To Meat

by rev. dave c

Hosea 10:12, Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you (NKJV).

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you (He13:17; NIV). It is so easy for Christians, whether young or old, to fall into Satan’s trap of confronting authority in an un-Godly fashion. We slip so easily from what may be a legitimate disagreement with a particular action, policy, or statement into a prideful demonstration of rebellion against leadership. It is so difficult to grasp the fact that as soon as we stiffen our necks against whatever governing authority God has instituted in our lives, and at whatever level, we are inviting God’s wrath upon ourselves. Just ask Korah. Or me. “...But, I know I’m right!” Perhaps—but we can go to Hell being “right.” Ask the thief who mocked Christ as he was being crucified.

If this sounds a bit strong, please consider the following verses from Chapter 13 of Romans, 1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves ... 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience (NIV). ...And from First Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right (NIV).

For all of our giftings and talents, it comes to naught if we fail to submit to covering authority. It must grieve God’s heart dearly to see those whom He has called and comissioned stubbornly refuse to bring our spirit of independence under the blood of Jesus. This attitude is generally demonstrated by an aggressive need to dominate situations, attempts to manipulate plans and activities, or by a passive-aggressive refusal to participate when dominance and manipulation are ineffective, or not possible. Whatever our rebellious approach, it becomes immediately evident that we pridefully and arrogantly consider our relationship with Christ as just a little closer, a little deeper, and a little more important than for those who surround us. Although our words may be couched carefully in the jargon of correct Christian-ese, our attitude reveals far more about the spiritual condition of our hearts than we realize. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Mt 12:35; NIV).

Part 29 of this Hosea 10:12 Series began our discussions concerning breaking up our fallow ground. The first step in that process must begin with our realizing that whenever we, as born again Christians, operate outside of, or against, Godly instituted authority in our lives, we are proving to our leaders, to our peers, and to the world, our lack of maturity. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness (He 5:13, NIV). The key to, and the substance of, righteousness is obedience first to the commands of God as they are written in His Word and in our hearts and minds—and second, obedience to the laws of man as they do not contradict, or oppose, the commands of God. The Church, the Bride and Body of Christ, is God the Father’s chosen conduit for administering His love, His logos (word), and His light here on earth in these, the last times.

When Jesus confronted Saul on the Road to Damascus, He didn’t ask him, “Why are you persecuting the Church?” The Lord said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? (Ac 9:4b; NIV).” When we rebel against the Church, we are rebelling against Christ, Himself. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. So, what do we do when we are guilty of having a rebellious, or contentious, spirit? Repent, and ask first for forgiveness from God the Father, then from all others who are involved. We will be in good company. I doubt that there is a Christian living, or dead, who has not born this sin in their thoughts, if not in their flesh. The difference between a “babe in Christ” and an adult is the willingness to confess and seek forgiveness openly and in an expeditious manner. A teachable spirit is the beginning of becoming acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

Repentance, however, can come only from a true servant’s heart. Like agape-love, it must be by definition unconditional. “I’m sorry if...I’ll apologize when...If I ask your forgiveness then you...,” is not repentance. It is bartering for socio-emotional position and only compounds the sin of presumptuous arrogance. Psalm 51:17 states, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (NIV). I ask you, Jesus, to forgive me my acts of rebellion. Beginning with my own, Lord, please break our spirits and build into us hearts that are contrite. Amen.