DISRESPECT TO THE WORD OF GOD DISRESPECT TO THE PREACHER
“Then Elisha went up … to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, ‘Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!’ So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.” 2 Kings 2:23-34 Let’s look at these called “some youths”: Mr. Gill says, “The word for “youths” is used of persons of thirty or forty years of age; and though these are thought to be “little,” they were so well grown as to be able to go forth out of the city of themselves, without any to guide them, or to take care of them; and were of an age capable not only of taking notice of Elisha’s baldness, but knew him to be a prophet, and were able to distinguish between good and evil; and, from a malignant spirit in them, mocked at him as such, and at the assumption of Elijah; which they had knowledge of, and to whom, taught by their idolatrous parents.” Had it been children as we know them, Elisha would probably have disregarded, but these were adults who knew what disrespect was and how to display it to God’s servant. I ask myself, ‘am I any better than Elisha to have harsh words spoken of and to me, and sometimes from one that I have not done any hurt to but tried to help for years.’ I won’t call a curse upon you, but be careful God might; He might not have you attacked by bears but His withdrawal would be even worse. They were of a small town among the hills in one of the extremities of the land of Canaan called Bethel; the inhabitants depended chiefly for their living upon their flocks and produce. So this was wickedness arising from unexpected quarters, the children of Bethel. That’s when the disrespect hurts the most, when it’s from an unexpected one, one whom you’ve loved and prayed for, watched as they raised their children. They should have learned that a true pastor keeps watch over their souls, as those who will have to give an account. There is a great responsibility connected with a family and that being respect. Considering the tendencies of our nature to evil, and the bad examples around us, nothing but strong common sense, strong parental love and the fear of God will enable parents to wash their hands from the blood of their offspring. But what about the parents themselves, does God not call them to respect. We have heard, “the apple didn’t fall from the tree” when seeing a child act like a parent. Neither age nor position exempts sin from being punished. The bears destroyed forty-two of Bethel. Rich and poor, high and low, old and young will be punished for their transgressions. God is no respecter of persons. “… respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” This was an event as regards the prophet. It is dangerous to persecute God’s people and especially so the ambassadors of Christ, they represent Him, they carry His Word. “No weapon that is formed against them shall prosper, whether it is stocks or burning faggots, the Pope or the drunken vagabond, or harsh words.” ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022
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