A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Wednesday,
December 1,
2021
For
the next several days we expect to have some different
scenery on our posts. Yesterday we came out to San Diego
invited by long-time friends
of our Daily
Encouragement ministry who have a home overlooking the
Pacific Ocean, a bit different than our usual rural America
photos! We took a photo this morning from our temporary
"office" although the fog has not yet lifted.
"Obeying Christ, Defying Caesar"
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.
Listen
to this message on your audio player.
Due to being away from our home
recording studio the sound quality is not very good!
Also our
messages may be posted later due to time zone difference.
"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).
We recently
heard a sermon in our church based on Romans 13 which gave
many of us cause for reflection due to the current trends
as our nation becomes more and more ungodly. What does the
earnest Christ follower do when called or even forced to
disobey what he or she believes, from Scripture, is a
clear command from God. Well, we have some precedent in
Scripture!
Today all around the world
genuine believers are in various ways and to some extent
defying Caesar (who represents the world system) and
declaring another king, one called Jesus. We want that to
include us and each of our readers. But we especially want
to consider those who are paying a heavy price for it,
including the 17 believers who were kidnapped in Haiti
about a month ago, with only two having been released at
this point. Today some will suffer in their stand for
Christ, others will be imprisoned, tortured, and yes, some
will die.
The first daily text sets a pattern for the church regarding our primary allegiance. The early disciples had heard Jesus proclaim the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).
It wasn't long into the church's history that this command was put to the test. The authorities charged the disciples, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name" (Acts 5:28). Their response sets a pattern for obedience for all devoted believers with these well-known words, "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29).
The second daily text is a summary of the charges against the young believers in Thessalonica after the church was established in their city. Paul and his associates, Silas and Timothy, had faithfully declared 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 and 2 Thessalonians.
"Caesar's decrees" in today's text were initially specific decrees made by the Roman emperor, but I feel they represent all of man's decrees that call for disobedience to Christ. Defying Caesar's decrees wherever and whenever they violate God's decrees remains the call to the faithful church.
The early disciples' courageous and unambiguous declaration must remain the declaration of earnest Christians throughout all ages, "There is another king, one called Jesus". 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" (John 8:23). And later He says of His followers, "They are not of the world" (John 17:16). Paul reminded the Philippians and therefore we are reminded today that "our citizenship is in heaven" (3:20).
The Gospel message is hindered and restricted in many lands and here in America there is an increase in opposition to those who boldly declare Jesus and the teachings of 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. This is especially true concerning a number of "hot button" issues such as the Bible's teaching concerning our origins, sexual morality, abortion and the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Today let us, with renewed resolve, praise and live daily for this King Jesus. Whenever necessary may we boldly defy the decrees of Caesar and always faithfully declare Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer. 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 serve Him faithfully and when necessary let us be willing to defy Caesar's decrees to avoid compromising God's truth.
The first daily text sets a pattern for the church regarding our primary allegiance. The early disciples had heard Jesus proclaim the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).
It wasn't long into the church's history that this command was put to the test. The authorities charged the disciples, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name" (Acts 5:28). Their response sets a pattern for obedience for all devoted believers with these well-known words, "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29).
The second daily text is a summary of the charges against the young believers in Thessalonica after the church was established in their city. Paul and his associates, Silas and Timothy, had faithfully declared 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 and 2 Thessalonians.
"Caesar's decrees" in today's text were initially specific decrees made by the Roman emperor, but I feel they represent all of man's decrees that call for disobedience to Christ. Defying Caesar's decrees wherever and whenever they violate God's decrees remains the call to the faithful church.
The early disciples' courageous and unambiguous declaration must remain the declaration of earnest Christians throughout all ages, "There is another king, one called Jesus". 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" (John 8:23). And later He says of His followers, "They are not of the world" (John 17:16). Paul reminded the Philippians and therefore we are reminded today that "our citizenship is in heaven" (3:20).
The Gospel message is hindered and restricted in many lands and here in America there is an increase in opposition to those who boldly declare Jesus and the teachings of 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. This is especially true concerning a number of "hot button" issues such as the Bible's teaching concerning our origins, sexual morality, abortion and the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Today let us, with renewed resolve, praise and live daily for this King Jesus. Whenever necessary may we boldly defy the decrees of Caesar and always faithfully declare Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer. 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 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
Daily
prayer: Father, You've called us to be light
in a world full of darkness. You've also called us
to be peacemakers in as much as it is possible.
Sometimes when we take a stand for righteousness it
does not bring peaceful resolution, but instead
further conflict arises. Then we go through a surge
of emotions and doubts begin to arise regarding our
stand. Would You help us to be diligent in our
study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in
Your Holy Word. Lord, as we take a position against
the evil tide of our land help us to be unapologetic
in our stand and very consistent in our Christian
walk. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen
world that we serve not the god of this age, but we
serve a King who is ageless and eternal. We lift up
our persecuted brothers and sisters and their
families who are paying a heavy price for their
stand both physically and emotionally. May their
spirits be strengthened as they continue to lift up
their soul to You for infilling from Your Holy
Spirit. Amen.
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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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