Message summary: When a choice is required of us, let us courageously and faithfully obey the commands of Jesus Christ, even if it defies the decrees of Caesar.

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"We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29). “They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus” (Acts 17:7).

On September 15, 2009 (17 years ago today) Omar Khalafe, a 69-year-old Somali Christian was shot dead by the Muslim group “al Shabaab”. Omar Khalafe was killed at a checkpoint near the city of Merca, when the militants discovered 25 Somali Bibles stored in a bag on the bus in which he was riding. Khalafe was hoping to deliver the Bibles to an underground fellowship. The Somali martyr had been a Christian for 45 years, active in sharing the Good News and baptizing converts from Islam.

Today believers all around the world are in various ways defying the decrees of Caesar (who represents the world system) and proclaiming another king, one called Jesus. I hope that includes you. Today let us especially consider those who are paying a heavy price in taking a stand for Jesus. Today some will suffer for that stand, others will be imprisoned and tortured and yes, some, like Omar Khalafe, will die.

Today's text follows up yesterday's message about Jason and is a summary of the charges against Jason and the young believers in Thessalonica after the church was established in their city. Paul and his associates, Silas and Timothy, had faithfully preached the Word of God, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead and that this Jesus is the Christ (v. 3). Although some believed, others opposed them. This led to persecution and Paul’s expulsion. But the little church survived and the New Testament has two letters written to these believers, 1 & 2 Thessalonians.

“Caesar’s decrees” in today’s text were initially specific decrees made by the Roman emperor, but they represent all of man’s decrees. The first recorded instance of this defiance in the early church, following Christ’s ascension back to heaven, was when Peter and John were seized for preaching Christ. Their actions were a model for godly defiance when they stated, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). Defying Caesar’s decrees whenever they violate God’s decrees remains the call to the faithful church.

A cutting phrase in Hebrews regarding those who have suffered for their faith declares, “The world is not worthy of them". Here in America there is such an increase in opposition to those who boldly proclaim Jesus and the teachings of the Scripture. In doing so the decrees of Caesar may very well be defied, for in many ways taking a stand for Christ defies the decrees of the modern Caesar. 

Just consider the outstanding example of another martyr, Charlie Kirk, whose platform was that of one who boldly proclaimed his faith the teachings of Scripture in contrast to the twisted culture of our day regarding our origins, sexuality, abortion and other hot button topics. It cost him his earthly life, but many people will join him in heaven due to his spiritual influence on their lives.

“There is another king, one called Jesus” must remain the unashamed, unambiguous proclamation of earnest Christians. The Greek word used for “another” is interesting.  The word “heteros” means “another of a different kind.” Indeed, Jesus said, “I am not of this world".  And He says of His followers, “They are not of the world". Paul reminded the Philippians and I remind you today that “Our citizenship is in heaven” (3:20).

Today let us, with fresh resolve, praise and live for this King Jesus.  If you have not already acknowledged that Jesus is King do so today.  If you, like me, are a servant of King Jesus, let us together serve Him faithfully and when necessary let us be willing to defy Caesar’s decrees to avoid compromising God’s truth.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13.

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber