Definition and Importance
Obedience to God's anointed refers to the act of submitting to and following the leadership and guidance of individuals whom God has chosen and appointed for specific roles and purposes. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God often selects certain individuals to lead His people, deliver His messages, or fulfill His divine plans. Obedience to these anointed leaders is seen as an extension of obedience to God Himself, as they serve as His representatives on earth.

Biblical Examples

1. King Saul and David
In the Old Testament, Saul was the first king anointed by God through the prophet Samuel. Despite Saul's later disobedience and fall from favor, David, who was also anointed by Samuel, showed respect and obedience to Saul as God's anointed. David refrained from harming Saul, even when he had the opportunity, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed" (1 Samuel 26:11). This demonstrates the principle of respecting God's chosen leaders, even when they falter.

2. Moses and the Israelites
Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, faced numerous challenges from the people he was leading. Despite their frequent complaints and rebellions, Moses remained the anointed leader through whom God communicated His laws and guidance. The Israelites were reminded of the importance of obedience to Moses as God's appointed leader, as seen in the consequences of their disobedience, such as the incident with Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16).

3. Prophets and Kings
Throughout the history of Israel, prophets were often anointed by God to deliver His messages to kings and the people. The obedience of kings to these prophets was crucial for the nation's well-being. For instance, King Hezekiah heeded the words of the prophet Isaiah, leading to the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat (2 Kings 19).

Theological Significance

Obedience to God's anointed is not merely about following human leaders but is deeply connected to the recognition of God's sovereignty and His divine order. It reflects a trust in God's wisdom in choosing and empowering individuals for His purposes. This obedience is an act of faith, acknowledging that God works through His anointed to accomplish His will.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of God's anointed takes on a new dimension with the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One (Messiah). Jesus' authority and leadership are paramount, and obedience to Him is central to the Christian faith. The apostles, as anointed leaders of the early church, also carried this authority, and the early Christians were encouraged to follow their teachings and guidance. The Apostle Paul, for instance, urged the Corinthians to "be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, obedience to God's anointed involves recognizing and respecting the spiritual leaders God has placed in the church, such as pastors, elders, and teachers. It requires discernment to ensure that these leaders are truly following God's will and teaching according to Scripture. Believers are called to support and submit to their leadership, as long as it aligns with God's Word, as an expression of their obedience to God.

Challenges and Considerations

While obedience to God's anointed is a biblical principle, it is not without challenges. History and experience show that leaders can err or abuse their authority. Therefore, it is essential for believers to balance obedience with discernment, ensuring that their ultimate allegiance remains with God and His Word. The Bereans are commended for examining the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received (Acts 17:11), serving as a model for ensuring that obedience to human leaders does not supersede obedience to God.