The second verse of Psalm 110 reads: “The LORD shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies!”
This verse, though primarily applicable to Christ’s future rule on earth over the nations, was very real to me during more than three decades as a local church pastor. There were times when I had to exercise authority while in the midst of unruly church members, some of them unfriendly. (Demons can come dressed as people.)
Jesus said that offences will come, but added, “Woe unto the one through whom they come.” I spent hours every morning during one psycho-spiritual battle, when it seemed as though everyone and everything was against me. Little did I know another time that a few of my leaders were conspiring with a church organization to change our Deed of Trust to one that would be democratic rather than New Testament scripture-based. More than a few founder-pastors have found themselves unable to rule in the midst of their enemies as a result of legal conspirators. (I must add that I forgave those who came against me, but I don’t know of a single one that was blessed thereafter.)
Then “out of the blue” a friend in ministry called me and asked me to visit. Lorraine and I did so the next day, and were told of a plot that was much the same as the one against me — using the same denominational lawyer! Well, I put a stop to that, and when the rebels stepped down from leadership, the air cleared and the anointing of power was evident in our meetings again.
Anyone can rule over friends but it’s hard to rule over fiends! There’s a fine line between carnal behaviour and demonic manifestation. Exercising authority over enemies requires wisdom; it’s not like you are putting down a coup d’état. They are still God’s people, even in their chosen role of devil’s advocates!
When the uprising is over, the best thing the faithful can say to their weary pastor is “Do yourself no harm, we are all here.” (Acts 16:28) Music to a pastor’s ears!