Field Of Dreams: Delays– Rebellion

Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people. Remember, do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.

Deuteronomy 9:6-7 (NASB)

Rebellion is a deadly fruit of pride. It's a defiance of authority. It's a dark mindset that invites ruin. The Bible features heroic people, who were pained, plagued, and pursued by rebels.

But before all of them was Lucifer: God's most brilliant and beautiful angel. By rebellion, he turned into Satan, the adversary: the arch-enemy of God and people.

How could Lucifer start a rebellion against his Almighty and Perfect Lord?

How could 'The seal of perfection... the anointed cherub who covers' (Ezekiel 28:12-14) turn into a traitor and sway one-third of the heavenly hosts to follow him?

ANSWER: He got FULL of himself, empty of God— to end up in full-throttle REBELLION!

Note these translations of angels who fell: 

  • 'Angels who didn't do their work and left their proper places' (Jude 1:6 CEV), or…

  • 'Angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode' (NASB). 

In other words, the rebelling angels were NOT content with their circumstances.*

Nor were Israel’s rebelling children: not with their manna, leaders, or Father. They wanted better food, a bigger voice, an easier path, and a golden calf!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: 'Be content with such things as you have' (Hebrews 13:5). 

Rebellion starts with dissatisfaction. So don't get puffed up by pride in your gifts– thinking you know more or deserve better. 

  • 'Who dares despise the day of small things?' (Zechariah 4:10).

  • 'But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you' (Luke 14:10).

  • 'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith' (1 Peter 5:6-9).

Humility is a prerequisite to receive success by the Hand of God.

Field Of Dreams: Delays– Rebellion (Part 12)

* Lucifer becomes Satan and why: http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/486/Lucifers-Rebellion.htm

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban