So many laws found in the Old Testament are missed in our readings. Lengthy readings quickly become boring and mundane. Important commands with great applications are missed because they are overlooked by the reader. There is a text in Exodus 22 that seemingly falls into that category:
“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” -Exodus 22:28
In the midst of the great book of Exodus with all of its commandments, laws, restrictions, and rituals there is a one sentence verse with tremendous power. In common language today this would read, “Don’t verbally abuse God and don’t verbally abuse your leaders either.” It appears that Moses is almost equating the verbal abuse of leaders with a verbal attack on God Himself.
A careful reading of the New Testament would show us that despite a change in covenants, God’s desire appears to be the same. Consider some of the New Testament principles about how we view and handle those in positions of leadership above us:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God…Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” -Romans 13:1, 7
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work” -Titus 3:1
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” -1 Timothy 2:1-3
Today the same principle applies. It is obvious that God should not be the target of verbal abuse, or reviling. Most would agree with that. But the concept of honoring our leaders is often difficult to grasp. It is not unusual for individuals to disagree with civil leadership-whether it is on a local, state, or federal level.
For example: this morning’s Commercial Appeal contains an article focused on the topic of government consolidation between the city of Memphis and Shelby County. What should my reaction be? Should I put down Mayors Willie Herenton and A.C. Wharton in every conversation that I can today? Should I speak evil and revile them as rulers at the local level? Certainly not! To do so would bring shame upon Christ because I have failed to respect the rulers that have been appointed by the authority of God (Romans 13). This does not imply that we are unable to voice or displeasure over issues and express our opinions on different matters. But we must not curse the leaders involved in those discussions.
Jesus is always the supreme example of godly living. As Jesus was being mistreated by the rulers who were rushing Him to injustice, how did He respond? “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Even as Pilate questions Jesus, the Lord answers with an admission of Pilate’s God-given power: “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). Jesus accepted the leaders over Him and refused to dishonor and revile them in the most difficult times.
As Christians, we need to be the example to the world concerning how we treat our leaders. We need to show honor when others think no honor is due. We need to show compassion and respect when we are tempted to respond with disdain. It is what our Lord did. And as His people, they should see Him in us. Can they?
Do not revile God. Do not curse those who rule over you. The command to Israel is a good reminder to us today!
Deep Waters 