The tension between the demands of earthly rulers and the call to follow Jesus is a recurring theme throughout scripture. Followers of Jesus are called to be subject to rulers and authorities, and to be obedient and ready for every good work. However, this submission is not absolute. When earthly laws or commands contradict God’s will, believers are compelled to prioritize their obedience to God. The apostles themselves demonstrated this when they declared in Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than people”. This principle of conditional obedience highlights that allegiance to God stands above all earthly powers.
The call to follow Jesus also involves a commitment to a different kind of kingdom, one not of this world. This kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Followers of Jesus are called to conduct themselves with wisdom toward outsiders. They are called to live as free people, not using their freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God, and not to be partakers with those who are disobedient. They are called to be the light of the world. This means that their values and priorities may often clash with those of the world, including those in positions of power. They are called to love their neighbors as themselves, and to act in deed and truth. This can result in tension with those who prioritize worldly power and self-interest over these higher values.
Following Jesus can involve suffering and persecution. Jesus himself was rejected by those in power and ultimately crucified. His followers are warned that they may face similar opposition. They are to expect that the world may hate them, but they are called to endure and to resist evil. This is because the world system is in opposition to the ways of God. Even in the face of such persecution, the emphasis is to maintain good conduct among non-Christians, and not to repay evil for evil. The example of Jesus’s life, including His death, becomes the example for believers to follow.
We are to examine the ways that we may be tempted to prioritize worldly power or approval over our allegiance to God; to live out our faith in a way that challenges injustice and promotes the values of God’s kingdom; to reflect on how we might respond if our faith puts us at odds with worldly authorities; to be alert and sober; and to resist evil.
By committing ourselves to living with a primary allegiance to God, we can become a true threat to the powers that seek to dominate the world and live into the freedom that Christ offers to all and contribute to the transformation of our world into one that reflects the love and justice of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. We acknowledge Your sovereignty over all creation and recognize that our ultimate allegiance belongs to You alone.
Lord, we live in a world where the demands of earthly rulers and authorities often conflict with Your divine will. Grant us the wisdom and discernment to navigate these tensions with grace and integrity. Help us to be obedient to those in authority, as Your Word instructs, but never at the expense of our commitment to You.
Just as the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than people,” we too affirm our unwavering loyalty to You. Strengthen our resolve to prioritize Your commands above all else, even when it means standing against the tide of popular opinion or facing opposition.
We are called to be citizens of a different kingdom, one characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Empower us to live out these values in our daily lives, conducting ourselves with wisdom and love toward all people. May we be the light of the world, reflecting Your truth and grace in every interaction.
Lord, we know that following Jesus may bring suffering and persecution, just as it did for Him. Prepare our hearts to endure such trials with steadfast faith, never repaying evil for evil but always responding with love and good conduct. Let the example of Jesus’ life and sacrifice be our guide and inspiration.
Help us to examine our hearts and recognize any ways we may be tempted to seek worldly power or approval over our allegiance to You. Give us the courage to challenge injustice and promote the values of Your kingdom, even when it puts us at odds with worldly authorities.
Keep us alert and sober, resisting the evil that seeks to undermine our faith. By Your Spirit, empower us to live in the freedom that Christ offers, contributing to the transformation of our world into one that reflects Your love and justice.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
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