Abuse of Power

A Typical High School Theme in YA Novels

You may be familiar with Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War," a very disturbing read that illustates many of the bleak realities in this world's wicked system of things.  A tragic ending causes one to double guess himself.  The essay question assigned to my son when he was in the ninth grade was something like this: Would you conform to the prevailing standards, agreements, practices, of the greater majority in order to fit in?  Though it goes against the fibers of your being, would you compromise in the face of peer pressure ?  What about threats and the possibility of death ?

A similar theme, 'Abuse of Power Leads To Loss of Authority,' is found in God's word, the bible.  This brief account not only comes to an agreeable denouement, it is an upbuilding, faith strengthening study.  However brief, ISAIAH 22:15-22, this short story requires some research.

Shebna's position was that of a steward, he was “in charge of the house,” likely the house of King Hezekiah. His position was second only to the king, and much was expected of him.

Instead of giving first attention to the affairs of the nation and caring for the needs of the people, he exalts himself.  He prepares a sepulcher in the anticipation of a grand interment. His actions prove unfaithful to 'him that appointed him.' Thus, a pronouncement is made that he will be condemned to suffer the disgrace of being replaced.

Shebna most likely acknowledged his folly and accepted the discipline, as he is later mentioned at Isaiah 36:2,22.  He continues in the king's service and accompanies the newly appointed steward (his replacement) on a potentially dangerous mission.

This account not only serves as a warning for us, should we be entrusted with authority, it demonstrates the wisdom in responding favorably to discipline, as opposed to deadly bitterness and resentment.

Essay question: How could Shebna have used his authority to help others?

Symbolisms
Key : authority, government, power
Shoulder :  to assume responsibility

The implication for today:  A faithful steward class has been appointed to replace those negligent in their authority over Jesus' household.



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Isaiah's Prophecy : Light for all mankind, vol. 1., 238-243.  Brooklyn:Watch Tower and Tract
                     Society, c2000. Print, 238-243.

SimonPeter

We had such a great bible study tonight

We read about Peter denying knowing Jesus three times before the cock crowed  . .

We spent some time discussing how peter must have felt when jesus' eyes met peter's just after Peter adamantly denied knowing Jesus that third time !!

The mood in the room was so somber . . We all considered how horrible peter must have felt . .

But then we read on

Peter didn't go and isolate !!  He caught up with his buddies and they too were feeling horrible. They were able to bring a measure of comfort to each other !!!

The text that we were reading brought out the following scriptures :

Proverbs 18:1
Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires;He rejects all practical wisdom

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works,  25 not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another . .


The account begins at Mark 14:27
See Luke 22:60

From the reading, "Imitate their faith"the second chapter of Peter, paragraph 20

"Peter showed genuine faith by gathering with his brothers despite his low spirits. When one is burdened by sadness or regret, isolation is tempting but dangerous. (Prov. 18:1) The wise course is to stay close to fellow believers and regain spiritual strength.—Heb. 10:24, 25."

Also from paragraph 20 from the last chapter of the book, the seconfd chapter of Peter in 'Imitate their Faith'

"When a servant of God falls, what matters most is not the depth of his fall but the strength of his determination to get up again, to set matters right. (Read Proverbs 24:16)."