THE DANGER OF DESPISING GOD'S SERVANTS

THE DANGER OF DESPISING GOD’S SERVANTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 2:23-25

Supporting Texts: 1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalm 105:15; Galatians 6:7; Matthew 18:6; Hebrews 13:17

INTRODUCTION:
After Elisha received the mantle from Elijah and confirmed the prophetic transfer by parting the Jordan, he began his ministry journey. As he travelled to Bethel, a group of young men mocked him, calling him “baldhead,” a statement laced with ridicule, irreverence, and spiritual contempt. What followed was a sobering act of divine judgment: two bears came from the woods and mauled forty-two of them.

This passage may seem harsh to the casual reader, but it reveals an important principle: God defends His servants and takes dishonour toward them seriously. The office of a prophet is not just about speaking for God—it also carries divine backing and consequences for irreverence.

This story is a strong warning to this generation: dishonouring God’s servants—especially those walking in His authority—is a dangerous spiritual error. When we despise those sent by God, we risk provoking divine displeasure.

1. MOCKERY OF GOD’S SERVANTS IS A MOCKERY OF GOD HIMSELF
The boys were not merely joking—they were mocking divine authority.

a) They spoke with disrespect toward a man recently anointed by God
Their words dismissed Elisha’s new role and assignment.

b) Mockery is a reflection of the condition of the heart
They saw with natural eyes and failed to discern spiritual elevation.

c) Disrespect reveals a lack of spiritual upbringing and fear of God
Bethel was a known place of idolatry and rebellion; such influences affect perception.

d) To mock God’s servant is to dishonour God’s presence in him
Spiritual roles come with heavenly representation and backing.

Biblical Example: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses, and the earth swallowed them (Numbers 16:1-33).

2. GOD DEFENDS THOSE WHO REPRESENT HIM
The judgment came swiftly—not because Elisha called for it, but because God acted.

a) Elisha turned and looked at them—a prophetic act of accountability
He didn’t respond emotionally; he responded from spiritual authority (2 Kings 2:24).

b) God does not tolerate dishonour toward His ordained servants
He released judgment as a warning and as a defence of Elisha’s office.

c) There are consequences for every careless word spoken against spiritual leadership
Spiritual things are not to be joked with—heaven watches how we treat divine offices.

d) God’s defence of His servant confirms his divine appointment
This judgment validated Elisha’s calling and silenced doubters.

Biblical Example: Miriam spoke against Moses and was struck with leprosy (Numbers 12:1-10).

3. SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IS NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY
When men take lightly what heaven honours, they invite judgment.

a) Authority in the kingdom is not just positional—it is spiritual
Elisha had not yet performed many miracles, but heaven had already approved him.

b) Titles do not make a servant of God—mantles do
Though mocked outwardly, Elisha carried heavy spiritual weight inwardly.

c) God proves His messengers by how He responds to those who attack them
He doesn’t always speak, but He always sees and acts at the appointed time.

d) Irreverence for authority weakens a generation spiritually
When God’s servants are dishonoured, the flow of grace is hindered.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira disrespected the spiritual atmosphere of the early church and died instantly (Acts 5:1-11).

4. WHAT YOU SOW INTO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY, YOU REAP IN RETURN
The boys sowed mockery and reaped destruction.

a) Galatians 6:7—God is not mocked, whatever a man sows, he will reap
The law of sowing and reaping also applies to spiritual honour.

b) Respecting authority releases blessings; dishonour invites curses
Your attitude toward God’s servant can affect your future.

c) Many block their own destiny by belittling those God sent to help them
You cannot access what you dishonour.

d) God’s grace flows through honourable channels
Despising the vessel is despising the oil it carries.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath honoured Elijah and received supernatural provision (1 Kings 17:10-16).

5. GOD’S SERVANTS CARRY SPIRITUAL WEIGHT BEYOND THEIR OUTWARD APPEARANCE
Elisha may have looked ordinary—but heaven had placed its seal upon him.

a) Don’t judge by outward appearance—discern the anointing
“Baldhead” was a physical insult, but the real attack was spiritual.

b) The vessel may look weak, but the power inside is divine
God uses the foolish to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).

c) Many miss their help because they’re looking for outward greatness
Elisha’s appearance did not change, but his spiritual authority had shifted.

d) Heaven honours those who honour His servants
Honour opens doors to grace, favour, and divine alignment.

Biblical Example: The Shunammite woman discerned Elisha as a holy man and received fruitfulness and restoration (2 Kings 4:8-37).

CONCLUSION:
This passage reminds us that God is not passive when His servants are dishonoured. Elisha had just begun his ministry, and heaven made it clear that no one was to mock what God had ordained. We must learn to handle divine vessels with honour, regardless of how familiar or ordinary they may seem. To treat the anointed carelessly is to invite divine correction.

Let us cultivate reverence for spiritual authority, both in speech and in attitude. Those who honour God’s servants honour God Himself—and those who despise them may unknowingly be standing against the God who sent them.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that honours spiritual authority in words, actions, and attitude.
2. Deliver me from every trace of mockery or irreverence in dealing with divine matters.
3. Help me to discern and submit to the spiritual leadership You have placed over my life.
4. Father, let my life reflect the fruits of honour, loyalty, and humility.
5. Preserve me from every curse or judgment associated with dishonour and rebellion.