The Spiritual Problem of Rebellion

1 Samuel 15:23-"Rebellion is as the sin of divination (witchcraft), and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry."

If you fail to bring your child under control during his early years, problems may not show up until he hits the age of identity, around 12. Most parents respond at this time by trying to control the child. But the authoritarian parent is most likely to produce a rebel. "But we have to reprove rebellious kids, don?t we?" Actually, the Bible tells us not to reprove a scoffer (Proverbs 9:7-9). Why? Because rebellion is a spiritual problem, and it requires a spiritual solution. Saul, the first king of Israel, rebelled against God by doing his own things, making his own rules, and worshiping the way he wanted to. God sent a prophet to confront him. Part of the prophet?s stinging rebuke was, "Rebellion is as the sin of divination [witchcraft], and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23). As a result of Saul?s disobedience, "an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him" (1 Samuel 16:14).