How can Christians today resist unjust laws, as seen in Exodus 1:22? The Setting in Exodus 1:22 “Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: ‘Every son born to the Hebrews you are to throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may keep alive.’ ” Pharaoh’s edict legalized infanticide. God-fearing midwives (Exodus 1:15-21) had already defied an earlier order, choosing obedience to God over the state. Principles Drawn from the Passage • God’s authority outranks every human authority. • Unjust laws that contradict God’s moral law may be resisted. • Faithful resistance often requires courage and a willingness to accept earthly consequences. • God honors those who fear Him more than man (Exodus 1:20-21). Biblical Examples of Faithful Resistance • Daniel’s friends refused to bow to the image (Daniel 3:16-18). • Daniel continued praying despite the king’s decree (Daniel 6:10). • The apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). • Rahab hid the spies, protecting innocent lives (Joshua 2:1-14). Discernment for Today 1. Examine the law: Does it clearly violate God’s commands? 2. Search Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” (Psalm 119:105). 3. Seek counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). 4. Weigh motives: Resistance must spring from love of God and neighbor, not mere personal preference. Practical Ways to Resist Unjust Laws • Respectfully refuse to comply when a law commands sin (James 4:17). • Use lawful means—petitions, court appeals, elections—to overturn injustice (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Speak truth publicly, yet “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). • Support and protect the vulnerable targeted by the law (Isaiah 1:17). • Stand in solidarity with fellow believers; persecution is easier to bear together (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Accept consequences with grace, trusting God’s vindication (Matthew 5:10-12). Holding Fast to Hope Romans 13 calls believers to honor governing authorities, yet never above God’s Word. When those authorities demand what God forbids, Christians resist—confident that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” (Revelation 11:15). Faithful resistance today echoes the courage of the midwives, trusting the same sovereign God who delivered Israel then and will vindicate His people now. |
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