But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.'” John 5:11
Rules and regulations can be found every there are two or more people anywhere in the world. They are put into place to govern what a person can and cannot do.
Often there are two different rules, by two different people, that contradict each other. One has to choose which he will obey. Usually the obedience goes to the one with the higher authority, unless there is rebellion, in which case a court may decide who was right.
On a Sabbath day Jesus had healed a lame and told him to take up his mat and walk, and he did. This went against the Jewish laws and the leaders were upset with him.
God has laid down some laws for man to obey. The world has also laid down laws that they want people to obey. It is very common that some of these laws are in conflict with each other.
Currently in America some are laying down laws that believers cannot gather in person in church or groups of more than a few people. This is something that has been done for years in many other countries already and goes against God’s command to gather together.
Every believer must choose if they are going to obey the laws of man or the laws of God when they are in conflict with each other. Regardless of which they choose, there will be difficult consequences.
Obeying man’s law over God’s will result in God being upset. Obeying God’s law over man’s will result in man being upset. The choice will result in eternal consequences. One brings eternal life, the other death.
As a believer, you have chosen to allow God to be your head ruler. God, in His infinite and perfect love, knows what is best for you. As you listen to His voice, He will tell you what must be done.
There will be times that it will go against the laws of man. During those times you must choose whom you will obey…God or man. God has the higher authority, since He has created everything and owns it all, including you.
Rather than bending to the desires of the world to live in sin, obey God’s commands and know true life. Do not be afraid to stand up for God and His laws against the ways of the world.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will hear God’s voice; that you will know God’s commands; that you will trust God’s commands; and that God will give you strength to do what He asks of you.
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