Acts 5:27-32
27 When they had brought [the apostles,] they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
“… “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” …”
To whom is your ultimate allegiance due? We pledge allegiance to the flag. Those serving in public office swear allegiance to the Constitution. Those who serve in the military are required to obey their commanding officer. Workers heed the directives of their supervisors. Children are commanded by the law to obey their parents. The list goes on!
To whom, then, is your ultimate allegiance due? Peter and the apostles seem to clarify this question. “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” In other words, our ultimate allegiance is to God. Even though we are called to honor and respect those other forms of authority – from flag to family – ultimately, it is to God alone that we pay deference.
That means, at times, we stand up against those human authorities who call us to obey. When someone or something calls us to obey their authority over God’s, we must disobey. When the authority in question demands deference to their law rather than the law of God, we must disobey. When their word contradicts Jesus’ words, we must disobey.
For those who disobey, there are consequences. Will those consequences be meted out by human authority or God? Peter and the apostles’ response tells us which side they are coming down on.
Prayer: Lord God, you call us to obey Your authority in all things. Give me the courage to be obedient always to Your Word and Your will. Amen.