Touch Not Mine Annointed Neither Do My Prophets Any Harm

Before we delve into our sermon, let me share a quick story with you. There was a young man who kept complaining about his smartphone's battery life. He said, "I don't know what's wrong with my phone. It doesn't even last a day!" His friend asked, "Well, how often are you on your phone?" The young man replied, "Only when I'm awake."

Just like this young man, sometimes we may not be aware of our actions, especially when they become second nature to us. Today, we're going to discuss an important topic, "Touch Not My Anointed and Do My Prophets No Harm." Our anchor scripture comes from Psalm 105:15:

"'Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.'"

This command from the Lord speaks volumes about the respect and protection we ought to extend towards God's anointed ones and His prophets.

Consider the story of David and Saul in 1 Samuel 24. Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David found himself running from the wrath of King Saul. On one occasion, David had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul in the cave. But he did not.

1 Samuel 24:6 tells us David’s response to his men who urged him to kill Saul, "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord." David understood the gravity of Psalm 105:15. He respected God's anointing on Saul, even though Saul was trying to kill him.

David respected God's anointing on Saul, not because Saul deserved it, but because David understood that honoring God's anointed was actually about honoring God Himself. The late Dr. Myles Munroe once said, "The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without purpose." God's anointed and His prophets are purposed to fulfill His divine plans. When we disrespect or harm them, we interfere with God's purpose.

Jesus Himself, the Anointed One, faced disrespect and harm throughout His ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

This verse suggests that our actions towards God's anointed and His prophets are a reflection of our attitude towards God Himself. When we choose to respect and protect them, we are honoring God.

Let's take another example. In the book of Numbers chapter 12, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married. The Lord heard it and His anger burned. Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned towards Miriam and behold, she was leprous. Aaron pleaded with Moses, and Moses cried out to the Lord to heal her. God demonstrated the consequences of speaking against His anointed.

I am reminded of a powerful quote by Mother Teresa, "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." As believers, we should be careful with our words and actions towards God's anointed and His prophets. We must remember that they have been chosen by God, and it is He who equips them for their work.

So, what does all this mean for us as believers? It means we are to respect those God has anointed, not because of who they are, but because of who He is. We ought to extend kindness, love, and respect towards God's anointed and His prophets, understanding that in doing so, we are honoring God Himself.

It also calls us to a higher standard of behavior. It challenges us to think before we act or speak against God's anointed. We should strive to uphold the principles of love, respect, and peace that Christ taught us.

The words of Ephesians 4:29 should guide us: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

And let's not forget, we too have been anointed by God. As Christians, we have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says, "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

We are called to live our lives in a manner worthy of this anointing, treating others, especially God's anointed and His prophets, with love and respect.

In closing, let us heed the words of 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." May we demonstrate this love towards everyone we meet, especially towards God's anointed and His prophets.

Let us pray, "Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word today. Guide us to honor Your anointed ones and Your prophets. Help us to use our words and actions to build up and not tear down. Remind us of the anointing You have placed on our own lives, and help us to live worthy of that calling. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen."

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.