The Rebellion of Leaders and the Call to the Faithful to Remain True to God By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
Introduction
In the world today, many individuals hold positions of power and influence. However, the power they wield is often used for corruption, pride, and control. God, the Living Creator, sees all and is displeased with leaders who have turned away from Him and His righteous ways, choosing instead to worship idols and commit abominations. It is clear from His Word that He does not find pleasure in those who are rebellious, those who live under the influence of demonic forces, and those who lead others astray.
The Scriptures repeatedly warn against following leaders who engage in such practices, for they are corrupt and do not have the welfare of God's people at heart. The call to the faithful is to rise above this corruption, to come out from among the wicked, and to remain faithful to God, His principles, and His ways. God’s people are not meant to align themselves with those who defy His holiness and seek to lead others away from His truth.
In this article, we will explore God's displeasure with wicked leaders, the dangers of submitting to corrupt authority, and the call for believers to remain faithful to God's truth, unaffected by the world’s corruption. We will also reflect on the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit and not by the rebellious, reprobate individuals who have turned aside from God's righteousness.
________________________________________
God's Displeasure with Rebellious Leaders
Throughout history, God has placed leaders in positions of authority to guide His people. However, many have chosen to defy His will and embrace idolatry, corruption, and evil practices. These leaders, who were once meant to be stewards of God's will, have become instruments of destruction. God does not tolerate such rebellion, and His wrath is set against those who lead His people into sin.
In Ezekiel 34:2-3, God speaks against the shepherds of Israel who have failed to care for His flock, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” These leaders have neglected their duty and have become self-serving, turning away from God’s ways to indulge in abominations. God’s anger is not only directed at their actions but also at their failure to lead the people in righteousness.
For those who claim to be God's people, following such leaders is not an option. God commands His people to be separate from those who practice evil and rebellion. The faithful are called to reject the corruption and lies propagated by such leaders, for they are under God's judgment. God does not want His people to be bound by the rule of such wicked individuals who lead them astray.
________________________________________
The Danger of Spiritual Harlotry and Idolatry
When leaders who claim to be righteous turn to idolatry and corrupt practices, they lead others into spiritual harlotry. God condemns these practices and calls His people to remain pure and faithful to Him. Spiritual harlotry occurs when individuals or nations turn away from worshipping the one true God and begin to worship idols, false gods, or even the power and pride of this world.
In Hosea 4:12, God declares, “My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.” This passage illustrates how God's people have turned to idols for guidance and wisdom rather than seeking God. When people or nations follow such leaders, they too become corrupt and spiritually adulterous. It is essential for believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God and to reject any form of idolatry that leads them away from the truth.
Spiritual adultery is not only a personal matter; it has societal consequences. When leaders choose to bow to idols and corrupt practices, they lead entire nations down a path of destruction. God calls His people to reject the abominations of this world and to remain faithful to Him, ensuring that they do not fall into the trap of spiritual adultery and defilement.
________________________________________
The Call to Separate from the Wicked
God's call to His people is clear: come out from among the wicked and be separate. This is not a call to isolation but to a life of holiness and obedience to God’s Word. When the faithful see the rebellion of leaders and the wickedness of their actions, they are to avoid being influenced by their behavior. To remain under the influence of such individuals is to risk being contaminated by their corruption.
In 2 Corinthians 6:17, Paul writes, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity by distancing oneself from the world’s corruption. Believers are not to conform to the patterns of this world, but instead, they are called to follow the ways of God.
This separation is not just a physical one, but also a spiritual one. God’s people are called to remain separate in their hearts and minds, refusing to bow to the pressures and idols of this world. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, believers are not to be ruled by the systems and authorities of this world but to live under the rule of God’s Holy Spirit.
________________________________________
The Consequences of Following Rebellious Leaders
To follow rebellious and corrupt leaders is to accept their sinful ways and to invite God’s judgment upon oneself. God does not take lightly the rebellion of those who claim to be His people yet live contrary to His will. Those who continue in sin, despite God's call to repentance, will face the consequences of their choices both in this life and the life to come.
In Jeremiah 5:31, God condemns the corrupt leaders, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” This verse serves as a warning to those who follow leaders who are leading them astray. God will not tolerate sin forever, and His wrath will be poured out upon the rebellious and the unrepentant.
Believers are called to avoid the corruption of such leaders and to remain faithful to God’s truth. To align oneself with the rebellious is to share in their fate. The faithful must walk in righteousness, obeying God’s commands and living under His guidance.
________________________________________
Living as Citizens of God’s Kingdom
As God’s people, we are citizens of His Kingdom, not of this world. This means that we are not subject to the corruption and evil practices of earthly rulers. Our allegiance is to God alone, and we are called to live according to His principles, not the principles of this world. When we remain true to God, we can be assured that He will protect us and guide us, even in the midst of a corrupt society.
In Philippians 3:20, Paul reminds us, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This scripture emphasizes that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our focus should be on God’s eternal Kingdom. We are merely passing through this world, and we should not be entangled in the wickedness of its rulers or systems.
By keeping our eyes fixed on God and His Kingdom, we can navigate the challenges of this world without being corrupted by its evil. God calls us to remain faithful to Him and to live according to His will, not the will of the rebellious leaders who have turned away from Him.
________________________________________
Summary and Conclusion
In a world filled with corruption, rebellion, and idolatry, God calls His people to remain faithful to Him and His truth. The wickedness of leaders and their abominable practices should not cause believers to compromise their faith or align themselves with such corruption. Instead, God calls His people to come out from among the wicked, to be separate, and to remain true to His ways.
As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are not bound by the systems and rulers of this world. We are called to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, walking in righteousness and holiness. When we remain faithful to God and separate ourselves from the wickedness of this world, we can be assured that He will protect us and guide us in the way He intends for us.
________________________________________
Call to Action
I encourage you to examine your life and your relationship with the world. Are you allowing the corrupt practices of this world to influence you? Are you following leaders who do not honor God? Take a stand for righteousness today. Separate yourself from the wickedness of this world and commit yourself fully to God. Seek His guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit, and live as a true citizen of His Kingdom.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
The journey of faith is not always easy, especially when we are surrounded by corruption and evil. However, God promises to guide and protect His faithful people. Be encouraged, knowing that as you remain true to God, He will give you the strength to overcome the challenges of this world. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and trust that He will lead you in the way of righteousness.
________________________________________
Salvation Prayer
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to pray this prayer:
"Dear Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I ask You to come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me for my past, and help me to walk in Your ways. I surrender my life to You, and I thank You for the gift of eternal life. In Your name, I pray. Amen."
If you prayed this prayer sincerely, welcome to the family of God! Begin today to walk in His ways, and you will experience the peace and joy that come from living in His Kingdom.
