To Avail means to help or benefit; Assail means to make a concerted or violent attack. One of the chronic phenomena that have plagued people of God (and especially the Pentecostals) is the lack of regard for authority. The same was the problem of the Jews during Christ’s earthly ministry (Matt.13:55-58).
However, the prevalence today is unequivocal because of the ease with which expressions can be publicly made without a sense of caution (on the internet), loss of fear of God in eyes of the generation affected by the “doctrines” of Satan’s emissaries; demonic education through media (internet, bloggers, Facebook) and abandonment by parents in pursuit of riches (3Tim.3:1-2).
But the understanding of authority will enhance the lives of many. Our texts reveal people that had some light on authority viz the sons of the prophet that bowed to their erstwhile colleague, the great woman of Shunnem, and the centurion.
To appreciate authority, we need to define “Power”. Power is the capacity of a person to influence others, and alter their intentions, beliefs, and behavior. Authority is the legitimate power granted to practice over others within an organization. It is Exousia in Greek meaning delegated power (cons. Lk.10:19; Jn.13:20; 20:21).
There are different kinds of authority: Based on the sphere of operation (a) Spiritual (b) Secular. Based on Source (A) Divine as with (i) servants of God (Lk.10:19), (ii) parents (Gen. 49:1- ), (iii) Government functionaries (Rom.13:1-3). (B) Demonic as with Satan’s agents (cons. Acts 8:9-11, 13:6).
A brief survey of the attitude of some bible characters will teach the value of authority and the need to avail, and never to associate with any form of disrespect for authority.
Abram’s submission and investment in Melchisedek (Gen14:17-20; Heb.7:1-4).
Caleb’s respect for an erstwhile colleague, Joshua (Jos.14:6-15). David’s uncommon attitude to King Saul (1 Sam.24:1-6, 26:7-16). Hanna’s reaction to mistaken Eli (1 Sam.1:12-19). Syrophenician Woman’s argument after an apparent demeaning proverb (Mk.7:25-29). The wealthy Centurion’s humble attitude towards Jesus (Matt.8:5-10). Michael’s unrepugnant rebuke of Satan (Jud 8,9).
On the other hand, the experiences of some Bible characters teach the consequences of assailing.
Ham despised his drunk father (Gen.9:20-22,24-27).
Esau didn’t care about the feeling of his parents (Gen.27:46; 26:34,35).
Miriam and Aaron despised Moses in secret (Num.12:1-10).
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram withstood Moses (Num.16:1-35).
The Children of Israel rejected the anointed through ungodly sons of Samuel, seeking a king, and were counted to have rejected God (1 Sam.8:1-7, 19-22).
Shimei cast aspersions on David (2Sam.16:5-13; 19:18-23; 1Kgs.2:5,36-46).
The Galileans out of familiarity despised Jesus and were denied the benefit of His anointing (Mk.6:2-6).
The Jews disdained the Lord and suffered retribution (Matt.23:34-38).
It takes acknowledging and aligning with the authority to benefit, for the anointing despised is anointing barred from blessing; so failure to recognize an authority denies one the benefit of his anointing (Mk.6:3-6, Matt.7:6).
The ambassador carries the authority of the king and whatever he promises, the king approves (Jn.13:20).
There is the “prophet’s reward” which is not deterred by the human frailties of the prophet (cons. 1sam.1:17; Ezek.44:30; Heb.4:2).
Rebuffing and dishonouring authority sets one against the sender, with a consequent reprimand (Num.12:1-2,6-10).
At this age of mental independence due to ease and availability of knowledge, the child of God must be careful not to disparage authority directly or indirectly through the media as all things written aforetime were written for our learning (Rom.15:4).
Therefore, choose to respect authority and enjoy the dividend.