How can we ensure we do not "mock" or "despise" God's messengers today? Remember Judah’s Tragic Example “ ‘But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.’ ” (2 Chronicles 36:16) • A sober warning: persistent contempt toward God-sent voices invites judgment. • History proves that how we treat God’s messengers reveals how we treat God Himself (Luke 10:16). Identify Today’s God-Appointed Messengers • Those Christ “gave… to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11–12). • Elders who “labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). • Any believer who faithfully proclaims Scripture—missionaries, counselors, parents (Colossians 3:16). Cultivate a Receptive Heart • Lay aside moral filth and “humbly accept the word planted in you” (James 1:21). • Pray, “Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24) whenever correction stings. • Remember the Bereans: they “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Put Honor Into Action • Pray for those who preach and teach (1 Thessalonians 5:25). • Obey spiritual leaders “for they watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). • Guard your speech: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). • Provide materially: “The one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor” (Galatians 6:6). • Defend them against slander (Proverbs 31:8). Recognize and Reject Contemptuous Attitudes • Scoffing at authority is a mark of the ungodly (2 Peter 2:10). • Sarcasm, constant nitpicking, or refusing to listen reveals pride (Proverbs 21:24). • If disagreement arises, approach with humility, Scripture, and the goal of mutual edification (Matthew 18:15). Embrace the Blessing of Obedience • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) • Honoring God’s messengers keeps hearts soft, churches united, and testimonies bright before a watching world. |
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