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“Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper?  Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.” -Zechariah son of Jehoiada

Do you have a problem with this statement?  This is what a man said against a whole kingdom.  Not only that but he said it while he “stood above the people…”  Who has the audacity to do such a thing.  Who does he think he is standing above all the people telling them God has left them and that the way they are living is wrong.

The people’s response is much like one of today if someone were to stand up on their soap box and begin to preach the same message behind a hideous pulpit.  For the narrative tells us the people were “against him” and they “stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD.”  And all of this was done under the consent of the authority God had set up in that land.  For the story tells us it was done “by command of the king…”

The only problem is, this man who said all these mean things said them as the mouthpiece of God.  In fact, the story begins with, “Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah…”

It seems this man was right in all he did.  And the majority were all wrong in their response to this word of the LORD.

There are many lessons to learn from this passage in 2 Chronicles 24:20-21.  However, two things I wanted to bring to light given our circumstances and culture in America.

First, it is not necessarily wrong for a man to speak harsh words to a crowd or individual, should the situation call for it.  In fact, it may need to be preached on from a elevated place and behind a pulpit to emphasize authority behind the message.  That this message is not from some mere man but from God and is only being spoken through a man.  This is exactly what N.T. prophets, apostles, and pastors are called to do.  They are to speak authoritatively but only as long as their message is faithful to the Word of God.  Paul even tells Timothy to preach the word in and out of season.  Meaning when it is  and is not popular.

Second, just because the majority of people and even the rulers are behind something doesn’t mean it is right.  In fact, those who are acting may even do it with the appearance of godliness.  In this case they stoned the prophet of God “in the court of the house of the LORD.”  Again, Paul warns Timothy of a time when people will be absolutely wicked yet “having the appearance of godliness…”

This means that as a follower of Christ you will have to discern things all on your own.  Paul says, “… and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”  This requires work and effort.

So, Jesus followers do not assume that certain practices are right just because others; or even, the majority of other Christians do the same.  For the practice may even be lead by the Pastor of a church.

Finally brothers “Test everything; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Blessings,

Stephen