Isaiah 32:1,17
Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him.
And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A Facebook friend posted a link to a recent video of a preacher in Tulsa County, Oklahoma…having what was labeled a “hissy fit” before his congregation. In the 3-minute-plus tirade, this man walked out into the congregation and “woke up” a man he deemed to be sleeping during the sermon, berated another young man and his fiancée for their lifestyle and told them that there was no way he would marry them, and singled out a church member who ran the video booth and publicly humiliated him by name. During his rant, he said, “I’m important... I'm somebody...if you loved me and you submitted to me, you'd know what my heart is and my message is - and you wouldn't go about establishing your own kingdom...”
Somehow, I feel like Isaiah 32:1 and 17 must be missing completely from his Bible! Neither he nor any other pastor is the proprietor of the Kingdom of Heaven. While we are to respect our pastors, we are to submit to the authority of Righteous King… not his/hers. And here’s the real heartbreaker about this man’s outburst… my Facebook friend’s comment was, “Oh yes…this draws me to the church!” Can you hear the sarcasm in her voice?
Do you see that in less than four minutes, this man did more to harm the Kingdom of Heaven than he could ever imagine? He shrouded his diatribe in comments like, “I love you,” and expressions of concern for the eternal future of those he was reprimanding and criticizing by name. But any loving intentions or concern were lost completely, in my book. I commented to my friend and told her that nothing like this had ever happened in any church I’ve attended, and I do not believe this man’s actions were scriptural. They certainly did nothing to bring about the peace and quietness of a life in Christ!
Today, we are celebrating our nation’s independence. We are waving the flag, shooting fireworks and reveling in the freedoms we enjoy… including the freedoms of speech and religion. By these rights, this pastor can say whatever he pleases… even from the pulpit. But this doesn’t mean that what he says is righteous or produces peace and confidence in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ… and our salvation through His sacrifices on the cross.
While you are marking the holiday with fun, food, and fireworks, stop and take a look at your Christian conduct. Ask yourself… “Am I an ambassador for the Righteous King… the Honest Prince who brings peace, quiet and confidence? Are my words and actions pleasing to God – reverential and respectful of His sovereignty? Do they help to spread the GOOD NEWS… or do they make others question whether a life in Christ is something they want for themselves?”
In the middle of what I considered a vicious attack on his parishioners, this pastor noted that he and his wife could get into her Buick Enclave and head on down the road to find another church… if these members didn’t want to submit to his methods. I have to admit… I kinda hope they sent him packing! This is not who and what Christ is calling us to be.
Each July 4th, we hear sad reports of how just one careless spark from fireworks causes physical harm and/or destruction. Our words and actions are no different. We serve a Righteous King… and we should let others know it! We serve an honest Prince of Peace. Do others see Him when they look at us? Are you careful with your discipleship? Do you consider how others will perceive what you project? Are your words and actions helping - or hurting – Jesus’ message? There are sparks that ignite beautiful fireworks… and sparks that can start a firestorm. Which ones are you igniting as a Christian? How you answer makes all the difference! Have a safe – and peaceful – Fourth of July!
©2013 Debbie Robus
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