Extreme Devotion – "Extreme Disobedience" (Day 254: Jericho, Rahab)

Podcast: Extreme Devotion | Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the theme of "Extreme Disobedience", examining the biblical account of Rahab’s defiance in Jericho as an act of ultimate loyalty to God over earthly authority. The narrator draws poignant parallels with Paul's escape from Damascus and challenges listeners to reflect on the balance between obeying governmental laws and God's commands, especially in contexts of persecution.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rahab’s Story: Disobedience for a Higher Purpose

• Setting: Jericho, Rahab’s house built along the city wall, a structure meant to repel outsiders.
• Incident: When two Israelite spies seek refuge, Rahab hides them, directly disobeying her king’s order.
  • Actions:
    • Lies to protect the spies’ whereabouts.
    • Later smuggles them out by lowering them through her window via a cord (00:19).
  • Rationale: Rahab had “heard of the mighty works of the God of Israel… believing him to be the God of heaven and earth” (00:33), motivating her to assist His people at great personal risk.

2. Scriptural Parallels: Paul’s Escape from Damascus

• Reference: Acts 9:25.
• Connection: After his conversion, Paul is hidden and lowered down the city wall by disciples to escape a death plot — echoing Rahab’s protection of the spies (01:01).
• Narrative Insight: Both cases illustrate that defying human authority is sometimes necessary to fulfill God’s purposes.

3. Modern Application: Persecution and Civil Disobedience

• Reflection: Christians in restricted nations, such as unregistered Chinese believers or Muslim-background converts, often face persecution for “disobedience.”
  • Questions Raised:
    • Are such Christians “deserving” of beatings or execution (stoning) because they defy state religious regulations? (01:28)
  • Key Insight: “All Christians agree that we cannot allow government to force us to disobey God's laws” (01:42).

4. Limits of Disobedience

• Clarification: The episode cautions:
  • Quote: “This does not permit Christians to exercise personal vendettas against the state. Disobedience is only warranted when we are forced to decide between loyalty to Christ and loyalty to the governing laws” (01:51).

5. Personal Challenge

• Call to Action: “Where do you stand on the issue? Study the Scriptures and decide for yourself” (01:59).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Rahab’s motivation:
  “Rahab had heard of the mighty works of the God of Israel, believing him to be the God of heaven and earth, and she was prepared to help his people.” (00:33)

• On justifying disobedience:
  “Disobedience is only warranted when we are forced to decide between loyalty to Christ and loyalty to the governing laws.” (01:51)

• On Christian unity against forced disobedience:
  “All Christians agree that we cannot allow government to force us to disobey God's laws.” (01:42)

• Final challenge:
  “Where do you stand on the issue? Study the Scriptures and decide for yourself.” (01:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – Introduction, Jericho and Rahab’s story opens
• 00:19 – Rahab’s actions: hiding and smuggling the spies
• 00:33 – Rahab’s motivation and faith
• 01:01 – Parallels to Paul’s escape from Damascus
• 01:28 – Modern applications: persecution for disobedience
• 01:42 – Unity in obeying God over government
• 01:51 – Limits and rationale for civil disobedience
• 01:59 – Personal reflection challenge to listeners

Summary

This episode of "Extreme Devotion" uses Rahab’s story and Paul’s escape to encourage Christians to weigh the tension between civil obedience and loyalty to God. Through vivid retellings and thought-provoking questions, the podcast challenges believers to study Scripture and make personal decisions about standing firm in faith, especially when earthly authorities demand disobedience to God.