Reviling authority is no joking matter. If you look in the Old Testament, cursing authority results in leprosy, plagues, the earth swallowing the one who curses, and other means of death, to name a few. In the New Testament, blindness, degradation and dropping dead result from cursing delegated authority.
Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:2
When humans curse authority, it is a win-win for Satan. Why? Because either the devil wins by hindering God’s delegated authority, or he wins when revilers of authority reap destruction in their own lives.
Delegated Authority
We humans cannot curse authority and avoid reaping disastrous consequences. Cursing and reviling take the offence so much further than mere murmuring. To complain about authority is bad enough. But literally to speak curses against those to whom God has delegated authority is to unleash a whirlwind of destruction back upon our own lives.
The devil achieves his goal of devouring, stealing, killing and destroying God’s beloved humans (see I Peter 5:8; John 10:10) when we curse authority. Satan loves to involve God’s own creation in bringing about an implosion, and reviling authority is a debacle of destruction. Everyone loses except the devil.
You shall not revile God, nor curse the ruler of your people.
Exodus 22:28
Authority Rebellion and Reviling
In his book Spiritual Authority, Watchman Nee writes it this way. “Whenever there is rebellion and reviling among us we shall lose the presence of God…..” He also says, “No one can reject God’s delegated authority with one hand and receive God with the other hand.” This is frightening because it means the progress of a man’s spiritual life is halted when reviling is present! Again, Satan wins.
I have heard many people curse the various administrations of our government. I wish those involved were small in number, but the mentality and action of cursing seems to be infecting the masses. Look at the rioters, protests and protestor, and even witches who are casting spells on persons in governments. Are they not cursing our delegated authority? Just because you did not join them on a particular day does not mean you did not curse the authority God appointed. Jesus, have mercy on us!
Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
Titus 3:1-2
This is so thought provoking and well written John! Makes me think of Daniel who stood with God, for God in one of the most evil kingdoms there evere was, he kneeled 3 times a day to pray to connect into the Light of the Lord, to endure!! Blessings on an insightful message for such a time as this!
Thank you for the encouragement Nancy! Amazingly, part of how I would answer Don’s question below is found in Daniel. Thank you for receiving this message! I receive your blessing, love you.
So what should the people do when authority is corrupt?
Great question Don, let me see if I can write you out an answer.