NEVER DESPISE GOD’S SERVANTS.

SERIES: 2 KINGS-JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS KING.

TEXT: 2 KINGS 2:23-25.

God is not passive when His servants are dishonored. Elisha has just began his ministry. The first treatment he received was mockery and dishonor. After Elisha received the mantle from Elijah and confirmed the prophetic transfer by parting the Jordan, he began his ministry journey. As Elisha travelled to Bethel, a group of young men mocked him, calling him “Baldhead”, this statement was laced with ridicule, irreverence and spiritual contempt. What followed was a sobering act of divine judgement. Two female bears came from the woods and mauled forty-two of them.

God defends His servants and takes dishonor toward them seriously.

The office of the prophet is not just about speaking to God – it also carries divine backing and consequences for irreverence.

This story is strong warning to this generation: Dishonoring God’s servants, especially those walking in His authority is a dangerous spiritual error.

When we dishonor those that are sent by God, we risk provoking divine displeasure. Let us learn:-

MOCKERY OF GOD’S SERVANTS IS A MOCKERY OF GOD HIMSELF.

• The boys were merely joking. They were mocking divine authority.
  1. They spoke with disrespect towards a man anointed by God himself.
• Their words were disrespect towards God himself.
• Their words dismissed Elisha’s new role and assignment.
  2. Mockery is a reflection of the condition of the heart.
• They saw with naked eyes and failed to discern spiritual elevation.
  3. Disrespect is a lack of spiritual upbringing and fear of God.
• Bethel was a known place of idolatry and rebellion, such influences affect perception.
  4. To mock God’s servant is to dishonor God’s presence in him.
• Spiritual roles come with heavenly representation and backing.
• Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against Moses, and the earth opened and swallowed them-(Numbers 16:1-33).
• Not only were there three men swallowed by the earth but their entire families, their livestock and everything they possessed.

GOD DEFENDS THOSE WHO REPRESENT HIM.

The judgement came swiftly – not because

1. Elisha turned and looked at them- A prophetic act of accountability. He did not respond emotionally: He responded from spiritual authority (2nd Kings 2:24).
2. God does not tolerate dishonor towards His ordained servants – He released judgement as a warning and as a defense of Elisha’s office.
3. There are consequences for every careless word spoken against spiritual leadership – Spiritual things are not to be joked with. Heaven watches how we treat divine offices.
4. God’s defense of His servant confirms his divine appointment.

• This judgement validated Elisha’s calling and silenced doubters.
• When Miriam spoke against Moses and was struck with leprosy-(Numbers 12:1-10).

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IS NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.

• When men take lightly what heaven honors, they invite judgement.
  1. Authority in the kingdom is not just positional. It is spiritual
• Elisha had not yet performed many miracles, but heaven had already approved him.
  2. Titles do not make a servant of God, but mantles do.
• Though mocked outwardly, Elisha carried heavy spiritual weight inwardly.
  3. God proves His messengers by how He responds to those who attack them.
• God doesn’t always speak, but He always sees and acts at the appointed time.
  4. Irreverence for authority weakens a generation spiritually.
• When God’s servants are dishonored the flow of grace is hindered.
• Ananias and Sapphira disrespected the spiritual atmosphere of the early church and died instantly-(Acts 5:1-11).

WHAT YOU SOW INTO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY YOU REAP IN RETURN

• The boys sowed mockery and reaped destruction.
  1. Galatians 6:7– God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.
• The law of sowing and reaping also applies to spiritual honor.
  2. Respecting authority releases blessings, dishonor invites curses.
• Your attitude towards God’s servant can affect your future.
  3. Many block their own destiny by belittling those God sent to help them.
• You cannot access what you dishonor.
  4. God’s grace flows through honorable channels.
• Despising the vessel is despising the oil it carries.
• The widow of Zarephath honored Elijah and received supernatural provision-(1st Kings 17:10-16).

GOD’S SERVANTS CARRY SPIRITUAL WEIGHT BEYOND THEIR OUTWARD APPEARANCE.

• Elisha may have looked ordinary- but heaven had placed it’s seal upon him.
  1. Don’t judge by outward appearances. Discern the anointing.
• “Baldhead” was a physical insult, but the real attack was spiritual.
  2. The vessel may look weak, but the power inside is divine.
• God uses the foolish to confound the wise-(1st Cor 1:27).
  3. Many miss their help because they are looking for outward greatness.
• Elisha’s appearance did not change but his spiritual authority had shifted.
  4. Heaven honors those who honor His servants.
• Honor opens doors to grace, favor and divine alignment.
• The Shunammite woman discerned Elisha as a holy man and received fruitfulness and restoration-(2^nd Kings 4:8-37).

CONCLUSION

• God is not passive when His servants are dishonored.
• No one should mock what God has ordained.
• We must learn to handle divine vessels with honor, regardless of how familiar or ordinary they may seem.
• To treat the anointed carelessly is to invite divine correction.