Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Saturday, November 13, 2021

Theme: SELF APPRAISAL

Text:    “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities…”- 2 Peter 2: 9-11. 

Comment: Authority, Power and Royalty all come from the Almighty God out of Zion. He is the Supreme Deity, before Whose Majesty all creatures bow in awe. He gives power to whom He will. (Psalm 75: 6, 7; Daniel 2: 20, 21) He requires those in authority to do His will, to relieve the oppressed, to care for the less-privileged, the needy, widows and orphans.

Likewise, it is expected of those who are being led to be submissive to authority; the followers should ‘obey them that are in authority’, (Hebrews 13: 17); that ‘the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine’. (1 Timothy 5: 17) Jude the apostle speaks of those he calls ‘filthy dreamers’ who ‘defile the flesh, and speak evil of dignities’, adding, ‘But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves’. These are children of the devil who are planted by him in the Church of God –  they creep in “unawares” – to cause confusion. (Jude 4,8,10) Whether as leaders or followers, the Scriptures, admonish us that to examine ourselves whether we be in the faith and charges us to run away from any brother that worketh disorderly. – 2 Thessalonians 3: 10-15. See also 1 Corinthians 14: 33, 40.