Choosing to rebel against God is a choice to look down and away from God because of our sinful desires. Adam and Eve were the first people to rebel against God when they ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil when told not to. Sin entered our world with that step of disobedience by Adam and Eve.
As we look around the world, free will can cause problems, so why was this meaningful gift bestowed upon humanity? We must have a choice to show genuine love for our creator. Therefore, there must be free will.
We can love and follow where the Lord leads us, trusting Him to guide us, or reject Him and go our own way. Even when we reject the Lord, He calls us to return to Him like lost sheep because He knows the heartache our rebellion will lead to. Perhaps you are far from God right now, and He is calling you back.
Israel Rebelled Against God
As a parent, nothing is more heartbreaking than children who rebel and go their own way. How the Lord must cry in anguish as He sees His children taking a path that leads to sin, heartache, and, for some, hell for eternity.
Jeremiah, the prophet, was told to go to the potter’s house and observe a potter making a clay pot. There, Jeremiah saw the potter working on a pot that did not turn out as he wanted, so he had to smash and remake it. This was an object lesson that God used to illustrate the condition of the nation of Israel. In God’s sovereign will, the nation of Israel was in His hand like clay on the potter’s wheel. Israel was fighting his loving hand to remold them.
Jeremiah 18:11 “Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’ ” 12 But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.”[1]
The Danger of Rebellion
Have you ever felt that God’s commands are oppressive and restrictive, taking the fun out of life? Unfortunately, many people think that way in our culture. In God’s mercy, His commands are for our own good. Instead of obstructing our happiness, obedience to God is the source of our fulfillment and contentment. When we rebel against God, it provides a foothold for satan to attack us.
Paul gives us insight. Galatians 6:7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. [2] None of us want to find ourselves in a field of weeds, so remember that it is never too late to begin planting good seeds in your life. Realize that our Lord is loving and will never turn anyone away who comes back to him away, no matter what road they have been on.
To learn about choosing to rebel, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/exile
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.