Against Authorities' Will

In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
2 cor. 11:32-33

You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon-Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego-who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up."
daniel 3:10-12

sometimes it's right not to obey the authorities. if what the authories are trying to uphold is directly opposed to what the Spirit of Christ is saying, then i can only assume that it is ok to obey Christ and not the human authorities. i can only assume that Christ wants His message proclaimed in areas where the authorities do not want His message proclaimed, even if this means becoming a martyr. i've heard it said, "nothing is worth becoming a martyr over," but i beg to differ. i believe there is a calling higher than our very lives which may lead us to surrender ourselves to death. just ask Jesus - He went thru it. and if the Father would chose to give His Son to death, why would i be so arrogant to think that i would be saved from brutal treatments?

in the verses listed above, paul, meshach, abednego and shadrach were all willing to go against their earthly authorities. and i respect them immensely for their boldness. they all knew the punishment which was ahead, and yet they didn't compromise under the extreme circumstances. they faced the challenge with great bravery and faith. that's the type of faith Christ is calling each of us to live up to.

Jesus,
thanks for allowing me to read these accounts of these men of faith. thanks for their courage and trust in You which transcends all knowledge. You've called us to a higher living. may Your Spirit guide and direct us to live our faith out boldly. let our worship for You burn so the world can see. it is for Your cause that i lay down my life and desire Your will to be done. have Your way, O Lord, have Your way.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Flora *Ed *SPRC