November 27, 2024
Civil disobedience is a principle described as “the refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes and as a peaceful form of political protest.” It is a common form of protest in America when all other means are exhausted to make your voice heard.
For the followers of Christ, civil disobedience is similar but very different. The true Christian is committed to a higher God and his higher law. When a believer is asked to do something that is clearly contrary to Scripture, they have the right and responsibility to disobey human authority to be faithful to a higher God.
EARLY CHURCH EXAMPLE
In the early days of the church, the authorities commanded Peter and John not to speak about Christ. Their response?
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge, for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
HEBREW DISOBEDIENCE
The three young Hebrew leaders (Shadrach, Meschach, and Abed-nego) were commanded to bow down to the King's golden image. They refused, and the King told them they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. “What god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” he said.
Their response was courageous and beautiful and a model for every believer for all time.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)
They graciously but firmly refused to worship a false God. They believed that God would deliver them. But the final line of their response shows the depth of their convictions. They were willing to die for their beliefs if God should choose.
WHERE ARE WE?
Many so-called believers are willing to bend at the slightest pressure, anxious to be liked by all and to save their own skin. But those who are the best among us have made the decision like Christ-followers throughout the ages. They will stand, trusting in God, regardless of the personal cost to their lives.
We do not know the names of thousands of compromising followers. But for thousands of years, these three young Hebrew men have helped and challenged us all. Their devotion was not brash and proud but simple, humble, and courageous. It has become a witness and model to the end of time for all those who deeply love Christ.
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