Defiance

I must confess that I’ve fit this description at times while growing up. This word means “open resistance, bold disobedience”. This type of disobedience is meant to be “in the face” of the one in authority. I sometimes feel compelled to apologize to my parents for some of the stupid things I did while growing up. I learned fairly young that I couldn’t get a lot of “mileage” from being defiant. I was up against a pretty strong force namely my parents. They were trying to teach me respect for others and myself. They were trying to equip me for life. I was hard-headed and stubborn and wanted only my way. I’m glad that they won the war with my defiant behavior.

The people of Judah were very defiant against the Lord through Jeremiah. The Lord clearly lets them know that the punishment for defiance against Him is very severe. Check this out…

26 But hear the word of the Lord, all you Jews living in Egypt: ‘I swear by my great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear, “As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives.” 27 For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. 28 Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand—mine or theirs. (Jeremiah 44:26-28 NIV)

Who do these people think they are?

Who do I think I am that I can defy The Lord?

The Lord is Powerful and Strong – He will not be defeated. I can’t arrogantly defy Him and His call upon my life. I’m a product of the God’s creation – how can I be defiant against Him.

I want the activity of my life to show respect and honor for the Lord. I want to leave sin in my rear view mirror and pursue the Heart of God with all of my heart! I want to live in humble obedience to the One Who made me who I am.

Pressing On!

Dwayne