Have you read in the
Bible about a story of a prophet who was confronted by a donkey on his way to
curse a mighty people? We find this story in Numbers 22. Balaam was God’s
prophet who disobeyed His instructions. Unusual things happened to him through
his donkey, which refused to proceed because God’s angel was threatening to
reverse the journey. Out of ignorance, Balaam continually struck the donkey,
whose God opened its mouth to speak to him. Shortly, Balaam saw the angel of
the Lord standing with a sword, warning him to return home. We learned here, that God used unusual
things to speak to His prophet. This story teaches that God can use anything to
correct his people, including the prophets.
Two days ago, I came across
a post shared by The Church Newspaper Zambia about a prominent “prophet”,
Apostle Johnson Suleman. The paper quoted him saying, “A teacher can't correct
a prophet; it takes a PROPHET to correct a prophet." Many people gave their
positions in the comment sections. After confirming the reality, I realised that
I also have a duty to correct the "apostle" who failed to point out his argument
biblically. While we cannot defend God in his sovereignty, it is important to
point out and correct misleading teachings, as Paul did to Peter (Galatians
2:14). In this article, I highlighted several claims to prove that no one is above
correction and, therefore, is without excuse if they err.
The value of mutual accountability
is one of the reasons that a servant cannot be above correction. In Colossians
3:16, Paul calls believers to admonish one another. The body of Christ, made up
of different individuals, has mutual responsibility for one another. The hand
cannot refuse to take food to the mouth because the legs refuse to wash it. We
all need each other, especially when correction is essential. Correction is a shared
duty and not a reserved privilege. Mr Suleman's claim does not reflect the
believer's mandate of accountability; this makes his teaching questionable.
It should also be noted that whenever it is necessary,
every teaching must be defended scripturally. Yes, although we are entitled to
personal opinions or titles, Scripture remains the ultimate platform that directs
our thinking and positions. We should not subject our privilege to rebuke when
we err. If there is any claim we subscribe to, we should examine it biblically.
This is not what Apostle Johnson demonstrated. A man of God with over 1.2 million
social media followers should have objectively defended his view, but he could not
establish his belief, whether out of context or contextually. This is
completely unbiblical, and no sound Bible-teaching leader and church should refrain
from defending the Gospel when such a matter arises. We should recall how Paul confronted Peter when he deviated
from the gospel of truth (Galatians 2). Paul's example should help us to stand for the gospel truth without compromise.
Another point to remind Apostle
Johnson of is that correction is not restricted by an office. Instead of
leaning on the Word of God, the “man of God” is using his office to defend his
own unfounded claim. Such a claim reflects a misunderstanding of scriptural accountability.
What if he is trying to deny his church members' disciplinary correction? Even in secular leadership, an advisor can
challenge the president if he is taking the country on the wrong path. Was it
wrong for Prophet Nathan to rebuke King David, who had supreme authority over
the prophet? (2 Samuel 12).
To keep on, does Apostle Suleman know
that God can use anything to bring correction? The drama on the way to Moab demonstrates
a significant truth: that God is not meek to do more than what we expect. Prophet Balaam
had learned lessons after he insisted on going to help Balak (Numbers 22). God
turns what was to be a curse against the Israelites into a blessing, demonstrating
his sovereignty. Who believes an animal could speak? If a prophet assumes authority
without acknowledging the other parts of the body, God will use alternatives to
deliver his message. Although some
disagree, we should note that a prophet is not a position with ultimate authority
in the church. Paul recommends a pastor and a deacon as offices responsible for
governing the church (1 Timothy 3:1-12). That means any auxiliary body in the church
is subject to the authority of the pastor and the deacons.
Also, believers should know that spiritual blindness is
unlimited and can affect anyone. We are not immortal and incapable of sinning. Balaam's
blindness could not make him see what his donkey saw. The same as any other human
being who is incapable of seeing their nose except through a mirror. Sometimes
those we consider “less spiritual” may perceive truth more clearly than those who
are “more spiritual”. It is possible that “another prophet” could be more spiritually
blind than your members could. Every church leader should acknowledge that this
fundamental truth of spiritual blindness affects everyone.
Additionally, we should also
note that a spiritual position does not equate to spiritual accuracy. Look, even though
Balaam was a prophet, his spiritual position did not prevent him from error. If
a church leader uses his position to deny correction or defer it to another equal,
he becomes inaccurate and forfeits spiritual authority. Titles in ministry do
not make one infallible. Even during God’s judgement day, no one will be judged
according to their spiritual position but according to their work, whether a
prophet or apostle, a Jew or a Gentile (Romans 2:1-6)
Technically, our personal
title should not deter us from being corrected when needed. God designs His
church in a pattern where each member is accountable to another. We are neither
immortal nor infallible, but we can check our spiritual growth through our church
members.
In conclusion, no servant
is above correction. Scripture consistently shows that God uses different
people and even unexpected means to admonish correction. From Balaam to Peter,
we see that spiritual authority does not evade the need for accountability. Hence,
any teaching that limits correction to a select group or individual contradicts
the pattern embodied in the Scripture. Therefore, any sound church must be humble,
teachable, and rooted in God’s Word, where truth, not title, has the final authority.
Ayella John Bosco
Associate Pastor,
Riverside Baptist Church.
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