Is it a stretch of the imagination to consider the words "vicar" and "minister" as having the notion of "representative" in primary consideration? In the Church, we consider the term "representative" as being loaded, that is, having the solemn weight of Christ's authority invested. As the people of God, certainly we all represent Christ in a sense. But ministers carry a much greater responsbilitiy and authority in this regard and are due much greater honour for their labours.
When we encounter the words of Jesus, "...he who receives you receives me...he who rejects you rejects Me...", we apply this to those outside of the camp who receive or reject us as Christians. What about applying it to those inside the camp who reject the Church's ministers? If I raise my fist in defiance to the one who has been ordained to represent Christ to my parish, am I raising my fist in defiance to Christ?
(Please don't leave any comments which are based on the theory that rebellion is acceptable when Christ's ministers don't share your opinion.)
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