Your Spiritual Authority

The content of the following scripture is so powerful that I want to pass it along.

2 Chronicles 26 gives us insight into the life of King Uzziah. The scripture tells us that he was only 16 years old when becoming king and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him. Verse 5 tells us that he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding of the visions of God. Zechariah was King Uzziah's pastor. The scripture tells us that during the days of Zechariah, King Uzziah sought God and God prospered him. Now, during this time, Uzziah became a very prominent King, a powerful and strong king. The Message Bible states his reputation extended all the way through Egypt. You might say - he was the man:)

Now, verse 16 tells us that when King Uzziah became strong, he became arrogant and exalted himself above God. Because of his arrogance and disobedience, he contracted leprosy (YIKES). Not because he came into contact with a leprous person, God just let him have it - so to speak. He remained leprous until his death, living in an isolated house, by himself, cut off from the house of the Lord.

This is the point I want to make (though there are many to be made from this one chapter alone). We need our pastors! They are our shepherds, our spiritual fathers and the Word is very clear about the necessity of Divine order in our lives and the power of obedience. Pastors have been called to feed their sheep. They feed us and we are to eat. We don't always enjoy the feeding because it oftentimes cuts against our will, but when eaten and digested it becomes like honey to us, health to our soul. King Uzziah did well and prospered much during the days of his pastor. Why? He sought the Lord. Zechariah spoke God's Word to King Uzziah and Uzziah was obedient. If King Uzziah was going astray, his pastor kept him in check. I'm guessing Zechariah died during King Uzziah's reign and from that point on, King Uzziah "did it by himself." Friends, we can't do it by ourselves. It isn't Biblical. If we think we're going to become all God created us to be without having spiritual leaders in our lives, we are in for a wake up call because it isn't going to happen. They watch out for our souls. I encourage you today to come to the realization of the importance of having a pastor in your life. If you struggle with the understanding of this importance, I encourage you to read the lives of Saul and King David found in 1 Samuel. They are perfect examples of this importance. Also, Juanita Bynum's book called Walking in Your Destiny would be a great resource as well. One more thing. Don't just acknowledge this importance. Walk in it. If your pastor gives you instruction or direction, take it. If he begins to point out sin in your life,then acknowledge it. If you receive rebuke, then accept it. His desire is for your best. He will not mislead you. Trust God with the pastor He has given you. Oh, and if you have a pastor that doesn't lead you, give you direction or point out sin in your life, then I question if he's the right pastor for you.

Be blessed. Be an appreciator of your spiritual authority.