Pictures should reveal the whole story. Yet, in a world of artificial intelligence and social media perfection, the entire story can be easily edited to convey an entirely different narrative, contradicting the truth. Recent photos depicting the anti-ICE riots in Minnesota convey two very different narratives. Photos and statements are manipulated to influence people to defy the government’s intent to enforce immigration laws. People can be so easily deceived into believing what they want to believe.
All this manipulation succeeds in the one thing that America’s enemies want—civil war. Evil is portrayed as good. The criminal is just a hard worker trying to make it in life. The real bad guys are those trying to enforce the law. Even people who call themselves Christians are being deceived by twisted Bible verses calling us to “welcome the stranger.” In those passages where Israel was to welcome the stranger, God had expectations for the stranger to follow His laws, as well.
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Exodus 12:48-49
It is said that Thomas Jefferson’s Bible was filled with black ink covering entire sections of print. He used God’s Word as a launching point for his own truth. This, of course, made Jefferson his own authority, or his own god, depending on how you look at it. You cannot call yourself a follower of Jesus and create your own truth. The two are not compatible. Jesus’ words from Matthew 7 reveal how such an incompatible life will turn out.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Matthew 7:24-27
What did Jesus say about obeying the world’s authorities?
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. Matthew 22:17-21
This was not what His listeners wanted to hear. They wanted a Savior who removed the evil rulers from their lives. The Romans were not exactly nice about getting their taxes. Later, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul instructed the Romans to obey their authorities, even as their evil emperor was burning Christians to light his gardens.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:1-7
However, there could be a reason to disobey men’s laws, but only if they defy God’s laws. When the apostles, Peter and John, were told to stop preaching the truth, they said they could not obey. When it comes to sharing the Gospel or obeying any of God’s other commands, there can be no deviation. It is important to note, though, that the church did not storm the prison, hit the guards with shovels and burn their chariots. Instead, thy fell to their knees and prayed for God to intervene.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:27-29
In a world deceived by Satan since Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, God’s Word is the only source that is entirely true. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be Truth in John 14:6.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
To dismiss His Words can only lead to destruction. Do not be deceived by manipulated narratives. God’s Word is the only stability in a world gone mad, and it gives hope for everyone who will look to it for unshakeable truth. Do not be afraid to believe it, whether anyone else stands or not. There will be a reckoning someday.
His Song in the Night 