Breaking the Law for Jesus

I was flipping through USA Today on Tuesday, and a tiny article buried on the 3^rd page caught my eye. Apparently, the borough of Brookville, PA, is suing the First Apostles Doctrine Church for providing shelter to the town’s homeless. Rev. Jack L. Wisor has already been fined $500 in the months-long legal struggle. Another hearing is scheduled for the beginning of November to try and bring some closure to the disagreement. You can read the full, original article in the Pittsbugh Post-Gazette.

It truly pains me to see a pastor entrenched in a legal battle over something so simple as providing aid for the homeless. But at the same time, it is very encouraging to know that there is someone in this country who is willing to stand up and shout: “My God’s laws supersede those of your township, and I will live my life in accordance with His plan and vision!”

This is a perfect example of Acts 5:29 in action. The Sanhedrin walked in on the apostles preaching and demanded that they cease immediately. “But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Holman CSB). Yes, God commands us to obey those He has placed in authority over us, but His law is greater. We cannot sit idly by and watch our nation become so corrupted and secular that it becomes illegal to love! In Matthew 22, Christ commands to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. He even goes on to say that all (not some, not most) of the Law depends on these two commandments. If we fail to show God’s love to each and every one of our fellow humans, it is all for naught. Never forget the love that God has shown all of us, and never forget to share it with your community.

What do you think? Should churches be allowed to house homeless even though it may go against city zoning ordinances? Where should the line be drawn for civil disobedience?