Sunday
Sermon on 4.10.2015
EBCC
Delhi
Obedience
to Authorities
The pastor stressed the fact that the
zomis should remember their numerical inferiority while going ahead with their
indeavours in things like politics. Zomis are tribes and harbouring hopes of
becoming a great nation, which they are not yet.
Amid the turmoil in Manipur with repercussions elsewhere throughout the
country and even in New York in the wake of the passage of the 3 Land Bills in
Manipur Assembly on the 31st August, 2015 and the ensuing violence and
bloodshed, the pastor recalled the Divine
Right Theory of Kings as written in the Romans 13:1-7.
Hence the Parliamentarians and
legislators are servants of God.
The Sadducees who had command over
the temples during the Roman rule of Israel, accepted the colonial rule and
caused the ire of the zealots like the Pharisees.
Thus the Holy Bible has recommended
submission to the governing authorities who are established/ordained by God. By
that logic, rebellion is not between human beings but rebellion against God
which attracts judgement.
However, two
instances of disobedience of the authorities are recorded in the Bible:
(i) Healing of the lame beggar by Peter and John by saying "Silver
and gold have I none; but
such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and
walk" (KJV) They were told to shut up about the miracle. But Peter
and John replied, "Which is right
in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges !"
(ii) Daniel, one of the
three administrators under king Darius of Babylon, distinguished himself over his
colleagues. Eventually the king appointed Daniel to rule over the entire 120
satraps which made other two administrators jealous of Daniel. They convinced
the King to issue an edict that all prayers should be made to the king and no
other gods. Daniel on hearing the news, went home, opened his windows towards
Jerusalem. Three time a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks
to God, just as he had done before.
Daniel ended up in lion's den where miraculously, he was
not bitten.
Coming Sunday 11.10.2015, a
discussion on 'Patriotism and the
Church' is planned in place of the Bible Study normally held at 9.30 am in
the basement of the Church
