A Time For Opposition

Esther 7

My people and I have been sold to those who would kill, slaughter, and annihilate us. . . . This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy. (Esther 7:4, 6)

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER WAS an ardent critic of the Nazi party and of its leader from the earliest days of the regime. His homeland had become foreign to him as Nazis imposed their own leadership on the church—sometimes with cooperation from within—and many citizens of the nation slipped into Führer-worship despite his warnings. At a time when huge segments of the church were seduced, Scripture was being ripped apart (with some Christians advocating for the removal of the Old Testament), and God’s chosen people were being massacred, the biblical principle of honoring authority took a back seat to resistance. There are times when the salt and light of this world need to be vocal in standing against its evils.

We see hints of this in Scripture: Esther exposing Haman’s plot, which led to his execution; the judges of Israel rising up against their overlords (Judges 3:12-30; 4:4-24; and 7:8-25); and David’s resistance against Goliath and the Philistines (1 Samuel 17). Most of the time, God has his people comply with earthly authorities as far as possible and contradict them respectfully when needed (Acts 4:19-20). But when his purposes are being opposed, he raises up leaders in defiance and urges his people to overcome evil. He does not insist that we always be passive in the face of injustice. In fact, he urges us to stand for truth and align ourselves with what is right. Sometimes that puts us at the center of conflict.

Don’t be afraid to go there. Don’t seek it out; many Christians are far too hungry for a fight. But be prepared to resist the ways of this world. Recognize the times, the purposes of God, and the role he wants you to have. You are called to represent his voice and his nature, and you will sometimes find yourself in a position to expose the works of darkness or restrain the tides of culture. Do it honorably and respectfully. Stand strong for justice, truth, and life.

{Lord, your Word tells me to respect human authority but also gives examples of standing against it when necessary. Give me discernment to recognize which response is appropriate to each occasion. In the discourses of this world, may my position always reflect yours. Amen.