“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2a).
Are we submissive to the authorities God places in our lives? Authorities are those people of God’s appointment or design who carry out His care, His protection, and His provision for us. These would include government officials, pastors, husbands, fathers, parents and employers.
The message of Stephen in Acts 7 is about God’s plan of deliverance for people through special men given authority over others. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Jesus are in the sermon. Unfortunately Stephen’s listeners were more interested in their own imaginary standard of reality than receiving the truth. Stephen’s pronouncement was “You always resist the Holy Spirit”(v. 51) and “You have rejected the Righteous One”(v. 52). Ultimately Stephen was stoned for speaking the truth.
If we had been there, would we have also thrown stones? We’re throwing stones today, trying to murder (in our hearts), if we resist the authority of the Holy Spirit by resisting God-ordained authority in our lives.
Rebecca Pugh
WNAC president
Tennessee
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for discernment and vision for the future—the next 75 years of WNAC.
