What other biblical examples show the importance of obedience to authority? Shimei’s Cautionary Tale (1 Kings 2:39) “Three years later, two of Shimei’s slaves ran off to Achish son of Maacah, the king of Gath. And Shimei was told, ‘Look, your slaves are in Gath.’ ” • Solomon had warned Shimei not to leave Jerusalem (1 Kings 2:37). • By crossing the Kidron Valley to chase his runaways, Shimei broke the king’s order and lost his life (vv. 41–46). • Lesson: disregarding God-established authority—no matter how reasonable it may seem—carries consequences. Old Testament Snapshots of Obedience (and Disobedience) • Adam and Eve – Disobeyed God’s single prohibition; death entered the world (Genesis 2–3). • Noah – “Noah did everything that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). His obedience saved his family. • Israel at Sinai – “If you will indeed obey My voice… you will be My treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). Their later refusal cost a generation the Promised Land. • Saul – Spared King Agag and the best sheep; Samuel replied, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul lost the throne. • David – Refused to harm King Saul: “I will not stretch out my hand against my lord” (1 Samuel 24:6). God honored his respect for the Lord’s anointed. • Achan – Ignored the ban at Jericho; his sin stalled Israel’s advance (Joshua 7). • Daniel – Served pagan kings faithfully yet would not violate God’s higher command (Daniel 6). Obedience to God and respectful submission to rulers were perfectly balanced. • Jonah – Fled from the Lord’s call; a storm and a fish turned him around (Jonah 1–2). New Testament Echoes • Jesus – Modeled submission: “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42); paid the temple tax to “avoid offending them” (Matthew 17:27). • Romans 13:1-2 – “There is no authority except from God… whoever resists authority is opposing what God has appointed.” • Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” • Titus 3:1 – “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient.” • Ananias and Sapphira – Lied to church leadership and the Holy Spirit; sudden judgment followed (Acts 5:1-11). Why God Takes Obedience Seriously • Authority structures reflect His own sovereignty (Daniel 4:17). • Obedience preserves order and protects life (Numbers 15:32-36). • Submission trains the heart to trust God, even when leaders are imperfect (1 Peter 2:18-21). • Blessing is tied to obedience, while rebellion invites discipline (Deuteronomy 28). Key Takeaways • God honors those who honor rightful authority; He disciplines those who defy it. • Obedience is rarely convenient—Shimei thought retrieving his slaves was a minor trip—but small compromises reveal deeper loyalties. • When human commands conflict with God’s word, believers follow God while still showing respect (Acts 5:29). • Everyday submission—to parents, employers, church leaders, and civil authorities—is spiritual worship that echoes Christ’s own obedience. |
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