Some of the most dramatic Biblical stories are about people resisting
ruling authorities because of a higher allegiance to God.
Take, for example, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. (It is an indication of intense Biblical study if you can pronounce the names of this trio without stumbling). These three young men refused to bow down to the golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. Their faithfulness to God wins them a trip to the fiery furnace. This story has a happy ending, for God miraculously preserves them and they emerge from the flames untouched, a miracle that moves King Nebuchadnezzar to declare protection of God's name and followers. That's probably why this episode merited miraculous intervention, because standing up for one's faith does not always win divine protection, as history shows over and over again.
The point of this story is not that God protected the men, but that they protected God's name and status from a secular power that competed with it. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not counting on protection: they declared their willingness to die rather than serve other gods. They are the example we are called to follow, whether or not our allegiance is rewarded with protection. We put God first because of our knowledge that God is first, because of our conviction that it is right to honor God above all competing powers. Whether our stand leads to miracle or martyrdom, we can do no less and keep our integrity and faith.
Lord, enable us by the filling of your spirit to recognize false gods and to refuse to bow down to them, even if it costs us to refuse, for we desire above all else to be wholly yours, and faithful to the knowledge that you alone are God. Amen.