Text: Genesis 16:9 KJV
Further Reading: Genesis 16:5-9; Romans 13:1-7
And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
Genesis 16:9
MESSAGE
The Almighty God is a God of order. Although all authority and power belong to Him, He expects everyone to obey those that bear rule over them because they are His messengers.
In the sovereignty of God, He chooses all leaders and those who hold leadership positions. The Bible says God rules in the affairs of men and gives the kingdom to whomsoever He pleases (Daniel 4:25). The Bible recorded that God chose Cyrus a heathen king to fulfil His counsel over the children of Israel (Isaiah 46:1-4)
In all-clear indication, God’s desire is for His children to submit to higher authority in the will of God. God never sponsor rebellion against authority. We may disagree with the policy of such government or leadership if it takes us away from God’s will as we see in the case of the three Hebrew youths (Daniel 3). On such occasions, God wants us to stand up and earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3)
In our text of the day, we saw Hagar fleeing from her mistress’ presence. She began an open rebellion against her mistress and when punished she ran away. God never justified Hagar’s action but rather told her to return to her mistress. From this text, we saw clearly that God demands that we submit to authority and learn to obey them.
Christians who are serving an organization or a leader must consider such a leader as worthy of honour because of the name of Christ (1 Timothy 6:1). They must be obeyed in all things, not with eye service as men-pleasers but in singleness of heart in the fear of God (Colossians 3:22).
The Bible further instructs that our service to men must be with goodwill as unto the Lord (Ephesians 6:5:-7). Some people today only work when their bosses are around but they are lazy when they are not, this is not expected of the Christian.
Even when your leader or boss is harsh, you are to work as unto Christ because your reward is not of men but God. However, do not compromise your faith in the name of submission to authority. You must stand your ground no matter what the consequence may be.
As a child of God bearing the light of Christ, let everyone see the light and the beauty of Jesus in you as you serve diligently and with integrity. Don’t be among those who gang up against their leader – submit to their authority and shine as light.
REFLECTION
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17
Submit to higher authoritieses only in the will of God.
PRAYER
Father, please help to submit to higher authorities without compromising my faith in you.
