The spirit of the Pharisee and Scribe, as outlined carefully by Jesus Christ, describes the deep-rooted sin that lies at the feet of high-level scribes. In the School of the Scribe, these are the first self-sabotaging and destructive strongholds we address before ever discussing the scribal office, gifts, or overall calling.
THE WEAKNESSES OF SCRIBES: WE ALL HAVE THEM (HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED AND DEALT WITH YOURS)
Above all things, we must know our weaknesses—not just our strengths. Shebna was a ROYAL SCRIBE who oversaw the King’s court. In the church, we could identify him as the highest-ranking church administrator, the president of the board of directors, or in a government context, he would easily be THE CHIEF OF STAFF. What makes a scribe “ROYAL” in terms of function is the level of authority, duty, or responsibility in which they serve in a HIGH-RANKING GOVERNMENTAL POSITION that serves a territory, province, or kingdom.
They hold positions that shape the landscape of influential institutions and nations. History—from biblical times to the present day—displays their power, influence, and authority with great boldness and accuracy. The UNHEALED, UNDELIVERED SCRIBE, PHARISAICAL TYPE is dangerous and deadly. The School of the Scribe has worked diligently in the Kingdom to deliver them from this ancient, diabolical stronghold that can take down an entire church, ministry, or organization.
Unchecked, THE PHARISEE AND SCRIBE OF TODAY CAN WREAK HAVOC, PURE CHAOS among the people of God. We will deal each element of this evil spirit.
WHAT WE BUILD OUTSIDE OF GOD WILL COME DOWN
In this three-part series, we will examine Shebna’s rise and fall and draw a compelling parallel to the scribes whom Jesus sternly rebuked in Matthew 23:1-34. While I incorporate the Shebna pattern into my teachings on the lying pen of the scribe, this treatment is critically necessary as it examines his life, his misuse of power, and how his story serves as a stark warning against self-serving, corrupt leadership in the scribal realm.
ROUND ONE: THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITY OF A ROYAL SCRIBE
Understand that the secretary in the Bible was not “the secretary” we understand today by basic definition. By ranking (meaning pay grade, authority, and the identification of WHO they served), they were set apart. In contemporary terms, a receptionist or call center employee might demonstrate some basic work in this area, but the biblical secretary would align more closely with a government’s chief of staff, a secretary of state, executive assistant to a governor, or a secretary-general for the United Nations. This type of position is fully administrative and rests in the hands of commanders who have spent years cultivating their craft while also having divine, innate endowments to function in these areas.
Shebna’s service would have been that of counsel or advisor, interpreter of the law, gatekeeper of national secrets, and a person with extreme diplomatic and administrative prowess, political influence, and understanding. He would have also handled or had signatory authority over the national treasury or the King’s storehouse and managed the Royal Court (the chamber of the scribe or the secretary’s room) that handled the archives and wealth of the Kingdom.
ROUND TWO: THE REACH OF SHEBNA’S INFLUENCE
Shebna’s influence in the royal court was substantial. As the royal steward, HE HELD THE KING’S EAR FIRST AND FOREMOST. He also had the ear of military chiefs and MANAGED THE KING’S TREASURY FOR HIM. This position of trust placed Shebna in a unique place of power, where his decisions could impact the entire nation. His skills as a scribe would have included literacy, knowledge of multiple languages, understanding the infrastructure of multiple nations, and the ability to draft official documents, making him indispensable to the administration of the kingdom.
Pastors and leaders must understand the UNRENEWED NATURE OF MASTER SCRIBES AND SCRIBAL COMMANDERS. We teach heavily on this in the Scribe School because it is not JEZEBEL at work; it is the spirit of the Pharisee and the scribe. Completely different… and has to be handled differently. We must know what we are LOOKING AT in this realm, or it is easy to miss—especially in the financial realm of the scribe where power and authority are given.
ROUND THREE: THE PROPHET CONFRONTS THE SCRIBE
God had to send a heavyweight prophet to deal with Shebna named Isaiah, and this is where our SCRIBAL JOURNEY BEGINS in this series. Shebna was dealt with harshly by the Lord. This incident was reflected in Matthew 23 by Christ—and all the Pharisees and scribes were well aware of that diabolical incident under King Hezekiah’s reign.
Journey with me through this article series to confront one of the strongest demonic strongholds operating in church leadership today—from the rank of receptionist to the chief of staff. Learn how to take it down IN YOUR OWN LIFE FIRST.
WOE TO THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES…. Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Scribal Prophets, and The School of the Scribe Apostle Theresa Harvard Johnson)
