Observation: Peter is writing primarily to believing Jews who have not been fully scattered and incorporated into the Roman empire. He advises them on the balance between faithful behavior and government compliance. He has told them they are to behave well as examples for others, and to continue their faith as the new generation of priests in - and the building blocks of - the Church of Jesus Christ.
Now, he addresses governmental compliance. Believers are to obey the laws of government. That said, there is a caveat here ... these laws are designed to punish those who do wrong, and honor those who do right. This is clearly discussing common behavioral law. He is writing at a time when Caesar demands worship of himself, and he is certainly not condoning that. Rather, there is a hierarchy. This is, obey the Lord as the faithful priests of Jesus, then obey the behavioral laws of government as members of this society.
Application: Last week, our governor issue an order that explicitly says "congregation singing is prohibited". I posted on social media my ideas about this, which is ... the Lord commands us to sing and praise him personally, publicly, and congregationally, and I will be obedient to the Lord first. This Sunday, our church sang at every service as an act of obedience to the Lord.
Did this violate Peter's instructions? Certainly not. Peter is discussing right laws that enforce societal peace and prosperity. Peter's instructions are in the context of all other writings, which place the teachings and precepts of Jesus first. There is no ambiguity about this.
For years, I have been thinking about the coming oppression of the church in the United States. The fact our government publicly issued a decree that violates every law we have about government intervention in religion, and in general society said "yes" without even blinking an eye, tells us where we are in this journey toward oppression. It has arrived, right on the coattails of several government laws opposed to God's laws and will. I have also been thinking about where we will draw the line ... where the Church will know which government rules it must not accept ... how we can differentiate between disliking laws that defy scriptural laws, versus laws that directly impact our alignment to the Lord.
Fortunately, when that moment has come, it was obvious ... we absolutely cannot quietly accept an order to not worship the Lord.
As Peter - along with Jeremiah and Jesus before him - instructed, there are government rules we will obey. However, in matters that directly contradict the Lord, I will be obedient to the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I feel the die is cast. This first order was small, but it was the reaction of others that was the telltale sign. There was total acceptance by the masses. By this I see the path is before us. Please, Lord, give me, my family, my church, and all your faithful followers, the strength to walk your path. Amen.
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