Prophecy

---

Where Does Human Authority Begin and End?
Shared by Patricia Backora, author of the book
Tough Love in Christ’s Millennium
Which you can order online from: http://www.publishamerica.com
Genesis 25:24-34; and chapters 27 and 39; Acts 5:29; Eph. 6:5-8

Those under any kind of human authority are exhorted by My Word to be obedient and submissive. Servants are commanded to please in all things their earthly masters. This principle applies to an employee working for a secular boss. Faithfulness in carrying out the duties of one’s employment is enjoined, with an attitude of service toward Christ, Who is the true Master of the believer and the object of his devotion.

I have said in My Word: Whether ye eat or drink, do all to the glory of God. That means that all you do, even your secular employment, ought to be seen as a heartfelt service unto Me, your Master. Any Christian employee who lives this way will do a superb job and be promoted to greater things in due time.

Joseph kept this principle. He knew that he was destined to be a great man. But for a time, I permitted him to fall into abject slavery. This did not make him resentful. Instead, he performed even his humblest tasks to the best of his ability. His master promoted him to be overseer over all the affairs of his house.

But Joseph knew there was a boundary beyond which his obedience to human authority could not go. His mistress lusted after him and demanded that he sleep with her. He refused, knowing he could not betray Potiphar’s trust without also betraying Me. And He could not perform such wicked “service” to the glory of a Holy God. Joseph took the consequences of his disobedience, but I exalted him to the throne in due time because he was willing to put the interests of his Heavenly King first even at great cost to himself.

Twin boys were born to Rebecca and Isaac. Isaac loved hairy, brawny Esau the best, for he considered him a real he-man go-getter who wasn’t afraid of anything. Esau was the firstborn twin. Jacob’s wife Rebecca preferred his more domesticated brother Jacob. She plotted behind her husband’s back and deceived him so her favorite son could trick his father into leaving him, instead of Esau, the inheritance of the firstborn son. She ordered Jacob to help her carry out this deception, which involved lying to his own dad and cheating his own brother. Wrongful submission to his mother and sinning against his father set Jacob up for a lifetime of regret and heartache.

In My Word I command children to honor and obey their parents. But when two different Biblical commandments conflict because carrying out one of them involves sin, then faithfulness to My principles of holiness must take priority.

Godly discernment and vigilance are called for. Human authority ends where My own is crossed.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE