Resistance to Tyranny

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 22:1-12

The command to obey governmental leaders is not meant to be read as an absolute rule that must be obeyed in each and every situation and circumstance. Even a casual reading of Scripture makes that clear. The Hebrew mothers wouldn’t drown babies; Rahab hid the spies and lied about it; Daniel prayed when he was told not to; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego wouldn’t bow before an idol, Peter and John kept on preaching the gospel against orders…those are just the ones I could think of off the top of my head.

We can add Jehoshabeath to the list. In this text we see her protecting and hiding Joash from the wicked intentions of Queen Athaliah. She didn’t say, “well, I don’t like it but I guess I will go along because, after all, Athaliah is in charge and I am supposed to submit.” No, she didn’t submit. Instead, she risked her life to do what was right.

As Christians, our highest allegiance is to Christ as Lord. “Jesus is Lord,” is the confession of the church. Our resistance to tyranny is not limited only to gospel preaching. It is to do right and pursue righteousness at all times. We should not court a rebellious spirit, but we should also not become Gumbys, being bent and shaped by the whims of those whose only concern is their wicked power.