“They are of those that rebel against the light;
they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.”
(Job 24:13, OAT)
In the previous manna we discussed the manifestation of rebellion as one of the two main elements affecting believers who have not been spiritually fathered. Before we move on to the second manifestation, this foundational problem should be looked at in more depth, as it seems to be a huge factor keeping many believers in a spiritual desert of sorts.
In its simplest form rebellion is a revolt against God and all other forms of authority. From psychology we garner an interesting perspective, what Sigmund Freud calls the Oedipus complex. Freud states that the process of identity forming is inevitably linked to the son triumphing over the father, and even killing him, as the myth on which it is based suggests. In the light of Isa 14:14 it is clear that this was Lucifer’s original driving force even when he was still a son of God (Job 1:6) – “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High”. The seduction of Eve was based along the lines of the same argument; if the pair were to do what God has told them not to do, they would become like God (Gen 3:5). In 2 Thes 2:4 this attitude of rebellion is linked to the Antichrist – “who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped”.
Fathering primarily teaches restraint. Accordingly Solomon repeatedly returns to discipline and the rebuke, as found in Prov 3:12 – “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Even within the New Covenant this principle stands – “For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” (Heb 12:6). Christ spells it out explicitly in Rev 3:19 – “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
Rebellion is Satan’s primal characteristic, and all human beings born in the wake of Adam and Eve bear this iniquity, are born into sin (Ps 51:5), from birth following after our father, Satan (John 8:44). We are founded upon rebellion and seek our own ways, all things revolving around us. If no restraint is exercised from the hand of a father, no chastisement or rebuke given, this rebellion will continue to have free reign. This leads to a hard heart and a stiff neck (2 Chron 36:13). Jude 1:19 (GNB) defines those individuals as “people … who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit”.
- Sela: Ask God to examine all aspects of your life to bring to light any hidden forms of rebellion. Repent of these.
- Read: 1 Kings 18; Jer 2; 1 Cor 1
- Memorise: 1 Cor 1:18
- For a deeper understanding: Read chapter 6 in John Bevere’s book Enemy access denied.
