JC Ryle
#1. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3):
These three men refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, defying his command on pain of death. They were thrown into a fiery furnace but were miraculously saved.
#2. Daniel (Daniel 6):
Daniel continued to pray to God despite King Darius's decree that no one should pray to any god or man other than the king for thirty days. He was thrown into the lions' den but was protected by God.
#3. Rahab (Joshua 2):
#3. Rahab (Joshua 2):
Rahab, a Canaanite woman, protected the Israelite spies sent by Joshua, defying the king of Jericho who sought to capture them. Her act of defiance save her family. She ended up in the genealogy of Christ for her obedience & received praise in Hebrews 11:31 for her act., a Canaanite woman, protected the Israelite spies sent by Joshua, defying the king of Jericho who sought to capture them. Her act of defiance save her family. She ended up in the genealogy of Christ for her obedience & received praise in Hebrews 11:31 for her act.
#4. Jesus healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6):
The authorities were upset because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, defying their strict interpretations of Jewish law which prohibited work on this day. Healing was seen as work, and thus, Jesus' actions challenged the Pharisees' religious authority and their control over legalistic Sabbath observances.
His miracles drew crowds, undermining the leaders' influence and showcasing a more compassionate view of the law, where acts of mercy were prioritized over rigid rules. Jesus' assertion that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27) further irritated them, questioning their legalistic approach to faith.
#5. The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12):
Herod ordered the wise men to locate the infant Jesus and report back to him so he could eliminate the child. Fortunately, they disregarded his command. According to verse 12: "Having received a divine warning in a dream not to go back to Herod, they went back to their country by a different route."
#6. The Hebrew Midwives (Exodus 1:15-21):
Shiphrah and Puah disobeyed Pharaoh's command to kill Hebrew baby boys, choosing instead to let them live, which was an act of civil disobedience.
#7. Moses Parents (Exodus 2:1-2)
In this passage, we learn that Moses' parents concealed him for three months, demonstrating their commitment to following God's will over human law. This act of faith is celebrated in the 'Hall of Faith' in Hebrews 11, where they are specifically honored in verse 23.
#8. Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5-12):
Moses, with Aaron, repeatedly confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites despite Pharaoh's authority, leading to the plagues and eventually the Exodus.
#9. Esther (Esther 4:16):
Esther approached King Xerxes unlawfully to plead for her people, the Jews, risking her life since going to the king without being summoned could result in death. Her defiance saved her people from Haman's plot.
#10. Mordecai (Esther 3:1-6):
King Ahasuerus elevated Haman to a high position, ordering all his servants to bow and show reverence to him. However, 'Mordecai refused to bow or show reverence (v. 2).' As noted in verses 3-4, his fellow servants questioned him, saying, 'Why do you defy the king’s order?' They confronted him daily, but he remained unresponsive.
#11. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:1-6)
In this passage, we see Jeremiah's defiance against the Jewish officials as he advised the Israelites, including the soldiers, to abandon Jerusalem and submit to the Babylonian invaders rather than resist. His act of disobedience led to his punishment; he was cast into a miry pit by the officials, with King Zedekiah's consent.
#12. The Disciples (Acts 4:18-20, 5:29):
After being ordered by the Sanhedrin not to preach in Jesus' name, Peter and John declared, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" They continued to preach despite being arrested.
These stories illustrate various forms of defiance against earthly authorities, often motivated by obedience to divine commands or moral imperatives, showcasing themes of faith, courage, and sometimes, civil disobedience.
Christians across the globe have long stood against tyranny, embodying the courage of their faith. From the catacombs of Rome to today's oppressive regimes, believers have chosen to worship despite threats of persecution. In modern times, they gather in secret in countries where Christianity is illegal, risking imprisonment to pray together.
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. -Hebrews 13:3
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