#Rebellion

Rebels. The Confederates were rightly called Rebels. Those in the South were in opposition to the Federal Government back in the 1860's. They reasoned that the demands being placed on them would devastate them financially and they would have none of it. Civil war erupted and a nation was divided and this long war resulted in more American deaths than in both World Wars combined.

Rebellion began with the most beautiful angel in heaven. This angel began thinking of himself more highly than he ought and it resulted in defiance against the highest authority in the universe. There were many followers who were kicked out of God's presence along with him when rebellion reached it's fullness. Shortly after man was created and given a free will rebellion displayed it's ugly face and the result of that he and his wife were kicked out of Eden and curses were placed on them, the planet and the angel. We are living in a cursed environment with rebellion in full bloom.

God has strong feelings about rebellion. He states in 1 Samuel 15:23 that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft or worshiping something other than God Himself. That sin is the ultimate sin and there is an ultimate penalty for it. If God was willing to kick Lucifer out of heaven and was willing to kick Adam and Eve out of Eden and go so far as to place a curse on all involved, what do you think He thinks about you not recognizing Him as the ultimate authority and submitting to Him? What do you think about how He feels when you continue defying Him?

One may think that just observing religion will satisfy God, but He clearly says in Psalms 51:16 and 17 that we may give sacrifices to Him, sacrifices that cost us something, or do good in the world by helping the poor or needy and that is wasted, all wasted. God wants a repentant, humble, submissive heart honoring Him as the rightful authority over us. That's what God says and I think He means it.

God is patient, not willing that any one perish, but that all come to repentance. It is up to you, now!