Blessed are those who take refuge in him

Rebellion against a parent is not logical. Why do kids think they can disobey their parents? It really doesn’t make any sense. I buy my kids presents. I provide for them. I am much bigger than my kids. I am stronger. I can kill them. (Now, before you call child protective services, I am stating this to make a point). I am not going to kill my kids. But I could. It is within my power to do it. It really doesn’t make sense for kids to disobey their parents. Those of you who are parents perhaps have felt this way. “Why don’t they listen? Don’t they know that I am only trying to help? I know what is best for them.” God was right when he attached a promise to the 4th

commandment, “Honor your father and mother that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ex. 20:12).

I didn’t understand how much wiser my parents were and how much better life went when I was obedient until I was older. But I felt like it was a burden to have to obey. I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I was confined by the authority of my parents. Why couldn’t I spend all my money on candy? Why couldn’t I stay up or out as late as I wanted?

Rebellion against God doesn’t make sense either. It is illogical. Why does anyone think he can disobey God? God provides for and blesses us. God is stronger. God is bigger. God can kill anyone. It is within his power and right to do distribute consequences for rebellion. Listen to the opening verses of Psalm 2.

1 Why do the nations conspire

and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth take their stand

and the rulers gather together

against the Lord

and against his Anointed One.

3 “Let us break their chains,” they say,

“and throw off their fetters.”

Nations, peoples, kings and rulers all gather in planned rebellion against God. This is a great description of all sinful people. It is the natural human tendency to feel like the rules are like chains. It is like a train complaining because it is only on railroad tracks, as if they were more confining than beneficial. The train would not run correctly or be able to turn without the tracks. We all feel this way at times about God’s commands.

“Why do I have to forgive? It is so much better to hold a grudge and feel miserable.” “Why do I have to live chase until I am married? It is so much better for me to be happy now rather than set up my future marriage for successful intimacy.” “What do you mean I am only to be attracted to my spouse? What’s one little look?” “Why do I have to limit my drinking?” “Why do I have to keep my tongue pure?” “What do you mean speak kindly and be respectful about those on the other political spectrum than me?”

We do this over and over again. We rationalize and buck against God’s law. It is the natural tendency to point this out in others while