Introduction: Why Familiarity with the Anointed is a Dire Consequence According to the Bible
Familiarity with the anointed can lead to a number of negative consequences, but what does this term actually mean? In the Bible, the anointed refers to individuals who have been set apart by God for a specific purpose. This could include prophets, priests, or kings, among others. From a biblical perspective, familiarity with these individuals can lead to a lack of respect or reverence for their role, potentially resulting in disobedience or sin. In this article, we’ll explore some of the dire consequences of familiarity with the anointed, according to the Bible.
Disrespecting God’s Appointed Leaders can Lead to Disobedience
One of the major concerns with familiarity with the anointed is the potential for disrespecting God’s appointed leaders. In 2 Samuel 6, we see an example where King David dances before the Lord with great joy, but when his wife Michal sees him “leaping and dancing” in a way that she deems inappropriate for a king, she criticizes him. As a result of her contempt for David’s actions, Michal becomes barren. This story serves as a reminder that disrespecting God’s appointed leaders can have dire consequences, including the possibility of punishment from God.
Familiarity with the Anointed can Lead to Pride and Arrogance
Another danger of familiarity with the anointed is the potential for pride and arrogance. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is instructed to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, but Saul keeps some of the animals for himself and his soldiers. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul initially attempts to justify his actions but eventually confesses his sin. Samuel rebukes him and tells him that “to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” Saul’s familiarity with his position as king led him to believe that he could make his own decisions, even if they went against God’s commands. This type of arrogance is not limited to biblical times and can still occur today, with individuals becoming comfortable in their positions of power and forgetting who placed them there.
The Importance of Proper Reverence for the Anointed
While the consequences of familiarity with the anointed can be severe, a proper reverence for these individuals can also have positive effects. In 2 Chronicles 30, King Hezekiah invites all of Israel to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The invitation is extended not only to those who are ceremonially clean, but also to those who are not. Despite the potential for disaster, the people follow Hezekiah’s instructions and celebrate the Passover in a way that glorifies God. This story serves as a reminder that demonstrating reverence for the anointed can lead to obedience and blessings from God.
Conclusion: The Importance of Respecting the Anointed According to the Bible
Familiarity with the anointed can have a number of negative consequences, including disobedience, pride, and arrogance. Proper respect and reverence for these individuals can lead to obedience and blessings from God. As Christians, it is important to remember the crucial role that the anointed play in God’s plan and to show them the respect that they deserve. By doing so, we can avoid the dire consequences of familiarity and instead bring glory to God through our obedience and reverence.
