Lies That Lead to Rebellion

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:16 (NKJV)

Today, we’ll focus on Macon and what drove him to take Keisha to the grocery store to steal food on that rainy night. Events in Macon’s life, over which he had no control, made him rebellious. He had no control over his father leaving them. He had no control over the events leading up to his mother's murder. He had no control over Keisha losing her ability to speak.

Joe recognises the same pattern in Macon’s life that had led him along a destructive path. Joe takes time to mentor him. He helps him see that life doesn’t have to be a series of bad choices because of his circumstances. That he doesn't have to hide the fact that he gets good grades at school because he’s afraid of being different from his peers. That the identity society places on him because of the neighbourhood he grows up in does not define him or his future. That his hurt and disappointment don’t have to lead to rebellion. Joe’s wise guidance encourages him to rise above his circumstances and become more than what society dictates. To stop believing the lies that are preventing him from seeing the truth.

Not Of the World

Deep inside each of us is a propensity to rebel. To submit to the ancient desire to kick against the goads. To overstep the boundaries set by our infinitely wise God. Our rebellion will be triggered by the lies we choose to believe.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we, at some point in our lives, have or will rebel against God. Against His commands and precepts. When the Israelites rebelled against God by worshipping idols, God sent the prophet Ezekiel to speak to them. This is what God says to Ezekiel,

But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you. Ezekiel 2:8 (NIV)

 

God sent Ezekiel to a rebellious nation, but he also cautioned him not to be rebellious himself. God gave him the remedy for rebellion – to eat what He has provided. This is the same message for us who live in this world subject to moral decay. Jesus made it clear that we live in this world, but we ought not to be influenced by the lies of this world (John 17:16).

 

God has provided a way for us to resist the moral bankruptcy so prevalent in our world. He has given us the truth of His Word, which has the power to cleanse and sanctify us. He has given us His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Let us let go of the lies that lead to rebellion and submit to the truth of who God is and the truth of who He says we are – Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

 

When God’s grace changes our status from rebel to redeemed, we are empowered by His Spirit to obey him. Susan Hunt

 

Reflection:

Think about situations in your life that may be causing you to rebel against God’s precepts.

Prayer:

Forgive me, Lord, for rebelling against your commands. Help me let go of the lies I am believing about my circumstances and submit to the truth of Your Word and Your Spirit of Truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.