If as Christians, we believe that we are to obey the laws of our government, simply because the Bible says, “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God,” Rom 13:1, I have questions.
In Ezra 2:1, (one of many passages that speaks of Israel while under the captivity of king Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon.) We see that Israel had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, and were in captivity. This had occurred as just reward for Israel’s rebellion against the righteous judgement of God, and had previously been prophesied.
As a result of these realities, the king had utter rulership over the nation of Israel, and its citizens by ordinance of God. In Daniel 1:3-4 we learn that certain Israelite youths had been brought into the care of Ashkenazi, the chief of the eunuchs for training in service to the king.
So let us recap the situation so far
Those in positions of authority were put there by God, and for His purposes. Namely, king Nebuchadnezzar.
Those under that authority are to subject themselves to that authority, meaning that all of Israel, including the youths in training are under the authority of king Nebuchadnezzar, and subsequently, all of those he had authorized.
Therefore, aren’t we to believe that these youths are bound to obey the dictates of King Nebuchadnezzar?
In Daniel chapter 3 we learn about three of these youths under the authority of King Nebuchadnezzar, and his laws. They were instructed by these laws to bow down to a golden image every time they heard the band play, yet they strictly refused. This law was a specific command, from the very highest earthly authority in the land, yet they refused.
Does scripture chastise them for non-compliance, or direct disobedience?
Were these young Israelites rebels? Were they resisting the commandment of the Lord by refusing to obey the laws of the land in which they dwelt, or were they resisting ungodly commands of a godless king, in obedience to their Lord?
I believe that scripture bears out that they were in the center of God’s will as they firmly stated, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3:17-18
Likewise, in Daniel chapter six we learn, “Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.” Daniel 6:11-13
So what have we learned here? Was not Daniel supposed to stop praying to God, since the king, the ultimate authority in the kingdom had commanded that he cease?
I am sure that you see my point. Romans, chapter 13 does not require that the orders, or commandments of tyrants are obeyed, it speaks of righteous laws, issued by righteous rulers.
In a more recent example, during WW II, Adolf Hitler commanded many injurious laws concerning Jews. It was also illegal for non-Jews to assist Jews in avoiding imprisonment, torture, and execution. Penalties for those who assisted Jews were as severe as those inflicted on Jews, yet we consider the families of Anne Frank, and Corrie ten Boom heroes.
Why would we consider them heroes if they were commanded by God to obey these laws, yet they chose to directly disobey them?
I believe that the answer is self evident. We are to obey righteous laws. Laws that do not require unrighteous acts, and God has enabled us to know the difference. Who was it that taught the Frank family, and the Ten Boom family the difference between righteous, and unrighteous laws? Was it not the Holy Spirit?
Well, what makes it so hard for American Christians to differentiate between righteous, and unrighteous laws? I don’t think it is hard. What is hard is having the resolve to do the right thing, regardless or the consequences, like burning, fiery fitnesses, and lion’s dens.
We do not yet face such dire consequences as these for resisting the unrighteous laws that we face, but if we don’t resist them now, those dire consequences are not in the too distant future.
The answer to my opening question, “Where can we learn God’s idea for the governance of Man?” Is in the Bible, with the help of the Comforter, or the Holy Spirit.
We must have faith, and courage. God is our sufficiency, and our strong tower. He gives wisdom if we ask for it. Once we know the wise answer to our questions, no one else can make the right choice for us.
God bless you, Dave