Many of our movies, TV shows, and books weave tales about rebels revolting against some tyrannical force or person. There are many reasons why we find these stories captivating and see ourselves rooting for the rebels. One reason might be that we vicariously relate to these characters and stories because we know what it is like to rebel. The word “rebellion” carries two nuances: 1. Resistance to a government or leader; 2. The act of resisting authority or control. The second definition is more prominent in our
individual lives.
Perhaps when you think about rebellion you imagine a child defiantly clinching their fists, stomping their foot, and giving the “look of rebellion” in protest to a parent’s rule. In fact, each person can probably imagine themselves giving that same look at some point in their lives to a parent, teacher, or authority figure. Defiance can manifest itself in a myriad of ways, however, they all share a common root of selfish desires (“This is what I want to do!” “You cannot make me!” “Stop telling me what to do!”) The catalyst for rebellion is a heart bent on selfishness and an overt desire to control and exercise power at all costs (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:20–26). Although we tend to think of rebellion in terms of freedom, it has more to do with a prideful refusal to admit dependency. A teenager who is struggling with a rebellious attitude wants to deny the fact that they need the structure of their family (The parable of the Prodigal Son is a fitting example, Luke 15:11ff.).
The scriptures are replete with examples of people labeled as “rebels.” The reoccurring theme in these biblical stories is a denial of dependency on God and His word. Isaiah lays this charge out against the nation of Israel at the beginning of his book (Isaiah 1:2–20) but it can apply to all of humanity as well. He explains that Israel has been a rebellious child against God (vs. 2) because they do not know or understand God’s words. Isaiah calls the heavens and earth as witnesses to this fact because they obediently follow God’s directions (vs. 2, compare Deut. 32:1ff.; Psa 19; John 1:1–3; Rom 1:219–20; Col 1:15–20; Heb 1:3) in the same way that even an ox and a donkey follow their masters (vs. 3). The issue with humanity is that people choose to reject God’s leadership and refuse to submit obediently to him. He illustrates that rebellion is like being beaten down, sick from head to heart to toe, and left untreated (vs. 5–6). It leaves people isolated like a tent or shack in an open field after a war (vs. 7–8). It even has the potential to negate people’s religious practices (vs. 12–15). However, God offers a remedy to anyone who is willing to reject themselves as their source of identity, admit the need for dependency, and give up their destructive behavior toward things they cannot control.
God says, “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds. . . cease to do evil, learn to do good. . . though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (vs. 16–18). A life dependent upon God is much better than one of rebellion, “if you are willing and obedient. . .” (vs. 19–20).
Billy Camp
Billy grew up at the Decatur Highway congregation in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from high school, he moved to Montgomery to attend Faulkner University. In 2012, he graduated from Faulkner with an undergraduate degree in Biblical text. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree in New Testament Studies at Faulkner and his Ph.D. from Liberty University in Christian Apologetics. In addition to serving with our family ministry and preaching, Billy also teaches in the Bible department at Faulkner University.
Billy is married to the former Shelby Vega and they have three children: Kinley, Roman, and Lewis. He works with the Family Ministry at Dalraida and also preaches and teaches classes regularly.