How should Christians respond when faced with authority opposing God's will? Pharaoh’s Half-Permission (Exodus 10:11) “No,” Pharaoh said, “only the men may go and worship the LORD, since that is what you have been requesting.” And Moses and Aaron were driven from Pharaoh’s presence. God’s Uncompromising Command • Earlier, Moses had declared, “We will go with our young and old, our sons and daughters” (Exodus 10:9). • God’s original instruction was, “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1)—all of them, not just the men. • Pharaoh’s offer seemed generous, yet it still defied God’s revealed will. Partial obedience is disobedience. Recognizing the Clash of Authorities • Human authorities are instituted by God (Romans 13:1). • Those same authorities can overstep when they contradict God’s explicit commands (Acts 4:19–20). • The believer’s ultimate allegiance is to the Lord (Acts 5:29). Biblical Patterns for Faithful Response • Refuse sinful compromise – Daniel’s friends would not bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Daniel 3:16-18). – Daniel would not cease praying when it was outlawed (Daniel 6:10). • Maintain respectful firmness – Moses addressed Pharaoh repeatedly with clear, unwavering statements of God’s demand (Exodus 7–11). – Peter and John spoke courteously yet firmly before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8-20). • Trust God with consequences – The plagues showed God defending His people when they stood firm. – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were preserved in the furnace. Practical Steps for Today • Know the Word—so you can immediately discern when an order conflicts with God’s will. • Obey every lawful directive of authorities, except where it requires sin. • Speak truth with humility: “Sir, I must obey God in this matter.” • Stand together; the whole community went to worship, not isolated individuals (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Expect resistance, yet rest in God’s sovereignty (Psalm 2:1-4). • Keep a clear conscience, responding without violence or bitterness (1 Peter 2:12-23). New Testament Echoes • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men.” • Revelation 2:10—“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” • Ephesians 6:13—“Having done all, to stand.” Enduring Encouragement God validated Moses’ unwavering stance with deliverance. He will likewise honor believers who, with grace and courage, choose full obedience over convenient compromise. |
    |