Discernment of Authority

Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.

The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:4-8

As I read this what caught my attention was the obedience of the men Cornelius sent. What would've happened if they didn't go? What if they went against his authority and said it can't be done. I think about the whole situation with Simon Peter and how summoning and Peter agreeing to go is such a monumental task. I think about those caught in the middle. They (assuming here) didn't hear from God directly but yet still carried out Cornelius' commands.

I reflect on the church and how ministries are carried out by leaders and their fractals above them leading up to the senior pastor. Are we to carry out the commands set through our leadership without question? This also reminds me of a personal experience with Frontlines. When asked to sing a secular song that had roots in political issues (John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change"), I initially agreed to do it. But then a stirring in my soul took over to the point of conviction and told my leader I can't do it. I was reprimanded and felt awful. I was told that if leadership asks me to do something, it's already been through leadership's blessings. I was told there was a "red flag" on me already because of my disobedience. My flesh was upset but understood the message being sent. I feel there's a level of discernment that still needs to be placed on authority but the lesson was well received.

So the lesson that I'm being reintroduced to is submitting to God's authority, in heaven and the authority He's placed around us. Those Cornelius sent didn't just obey blindly. They trusted their leader and knew him well. I'm assuming too that Cornelius was probably a stand-up guy who people could see that he was a man of God. We all obey as the Spirit prompts.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mighty leadership and guidance. Help me LORD to discern everything according to Your Spirit. Knock me off my feel when I'm going down the wrong path and open my eyes to Light's guidance. Thank You for this day and the opportunities to glorify Your Name! In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!