To God The Ruler's Sword Ordained by God and Accountable to God God has given the governing authorities of this world a sword to administer justice. The ruler's sword is power ordained by God to protect the weak, and punish those who do wrong. King David found himself in this most difficult position, and while he fled from King Saul's unjust wrath he refused to lift the sword against God's established King. The apostle's found themselves in this most difficult position, and while they spoke to the Sanhedrin respectfully they disobeyed that authority and spoke God's truth. The German scientists and soldiers who participated in the holocaust were not excused from their crimes because they were obedient to their governing authority.
Blind obedience can be a gross and wicked evil.
The Christians who defied German authority and helped Jews escape were true to a higher authority. Disobedience can be a loving act of righteousness. The civil rights activist in the sixties sometimes went to jail for defying authority, but histories verdict is that they were obedient to God's law. This was evident in their attitudes and actions as they pursued this higher law. America was born in defiance to unjust authority, and the underground railroad served as the conscience of our nation when we were not true to our birthright.