In the Bible, the themes of mocking, scoffing, scorning, and rejecting leadership are addressed with great seriousness. These actions are not only portrayed as foolish and sinful, but they also reveal deeper issues of rebellion against God’s established order and authority. This comprehensive study explores these themes by examining key passages and the implications of such behaviors.
Mocking Leadership
Mocking, or making fun of, is often a sign of disrespect and contempt. The Bible provides several examples where mocking is associated with folly and wickedness.
Example: Elisha and the Mocking Youths
In 2 Kings 2:23-24, we read about the prophet Elisha being mocked by a group of youths:
“And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.”
This passage illustrates the severe consequences of mocking a prophet of God. The mockery here is not just against Elisha but symbolizes a deeper disdain for God’s authority.
Scoffing at Leadership
Scoffing is similar to mocking but often carries a connotation of skepticism and disbelief, especially towards authority and sacred matters.
Example: The Scoffers in the Last Days
2 Peter 3:3 warns of scoffers in the end times:
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last day’s scoffers, walking after their own lusts.”
These scoffers challenge the truth and authority of God’s word, demonstrating a broader rejection of divine leadership. Their actions are driven by selfish desires and an unwillingness to submit to God’s sovereign rule.
Scorning Leadership
Scorning involves open disdain and rejection of leadership, often with a sense of superiority or cynicism.
Example: The Scorner and Reproof
Proverbs 9:7-8 describes the nature of a scorner:
“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
Scorners are resistant to correction and wisdom, showcasing a heart that is hardened against guidance and authority. This behavior leads to their downfall, as they are unable to learn and grow from their mistakes.
Rejecting Leadership
The rejection of leadership is perhaps the most direct rebellion against YHVH’s established order. This rejection is often portrayed as a refusal to submit to God’s appointed leaders, which in turn signifies a rejection of God Himself.
Example: Korah’s Rebellion
Numbers 16:1-3 recounts the rebellion led by Korah against Moses and Aaron:
“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?”
Korah’s challenge to Moses and Aaron was a direct affront to YHVH’s chosen leaders. The severe consequences that followed—Korah and his followers being swallowed by the earth—underscore the gravity of rejecting divinely appointed leadership.
Implications and Lessons
The Bible’s portrayal of those who mock, scoff, scorn, and reject leadership serves as a stark warning. These behaviors are seen as manifestations of pride, rebellion, and a lack of faith. Here are key lessons drawn from the biblical narrative:
Respect for God’s Authority: Mocking and rejecting leaders appointed by God equates to challenging God’s authority. Believers are called to respect and submit to God’s chosen leaders (Romans 13:1-2).
Consequences of Rebellion: The stories of Elisha, Korah, and others demonstrate that rebellion against God’s order leads to severe consequences. It disrupts the community and brings judgment upon the rebels.
Wisdom in Humility: Proverbs consistently contrast the scorner with the wise. While the scorner rejects correction, the wise embrace it and grow (Proverbs 9:8-9). Humility and teachability are essential virtues.
End-Times Awareness: The presence of scoffers in the last days, as described in 2 Peter 3:3, calls for vigilance among believers. Recognizing and addressing such attitudes is crucial for maintaining faith and integrity.
Conclusion
The Bible’s treatment of mocking, scoffing, scorning, and rejecting leadership is comprehensive and instructive. These behaviors are indicative of deeper spiritual issues and are met with strong condemnation and consequences. Through these biblical accounts, believers are encouraged to cultivate respect for authority, humility, and a receptive heart to God’s guidance and correction.
Recently as some of you know and have made me aware of there have been those that are openly doing this against Awaken to Torah ministries. In so much as they have labeled me a cult leader. Of course, they do not have the integrity to come to my face and sit down and have an honest conversation about whatever bee it is that has gotten under their hat.
They sit on the sidelines never even having the integrity to call this ministry or myself by name when it is so obvious that it is this ministry and myself that they are referring to. Not one time has any of them brought a real accusation of a violation of Torah by myself or this ministry it is all just high school or worse grammar school attacks. We don’t like you, you’re ugly, you smell funny, and I could never sit under your leadership.
When the truth is they will and never have really been subject to anyone’s leadership, They have rejected and will continue to reject every truly, appointed by YHVH, leader they ever come in contact with. The only time these people are a part of any group is when they have an agenda of their own and as soon as leadership tries to reign that agenda in, they are gone. You see them bouncing from group to group Never really apart or subject to anyone. They are all too happy to come into congregations through little fits and oust the leadership then move on to do it to the next.
Beware believers it is not only the speakers of lashon Hurah that are guilty of Murder it is the hearer as well.
Shalom covenant keepers and Children of Israel.