Deuteronomy 21-23

According to the law of Moses rebellion is punishable by death. Rebellion is is knowing what is right and intentionally doing the opposite, the opposite of rebellion is obedience unto the LORD. The emphasis in Deuteronomy 21:18 is on the parental voice of instruction and the voice of chastening or discipline.

Deuteronomy 21:18-19 (NKJV) "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city."

The voice of instruction from the LORD comes in so many ways, since we know that all authority comes from God we can know certainly that we are to yield to those figures like our earthly parents, spiritual leaders, government leaders and our employer. Other ways the LORD speaks instruction and truth to us is through His word, visions and dreams, for some an audible voice, for others God speaks through a visceral sensing and then finally the LORD speaks to us through pain. In order to obey and to combat rebellion in our heart we must first humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, then quiet our soul before the LORD that we might heed or listen to the voice of instruction. Again and again I am reminded how much of the believer's life is marked by quiet waiting and careful listening - this act is the defense against presumption and rebellion that seeks first the kingdom of God. It is through a meekness and humility of spirit in coming to the LORD to receive his righteous and compassionate instruction that there is freedom, grace and love. 

Lamentations 3:22-26,28 (NIV) "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD... Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him."

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