Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees. – Isaiah 10:1

Today's Scripture Reading (May 7, 2026): Isaiah 10

In November 2025, six American politicians, Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, alongside Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Jason Crow, and Chrissy Houlahan, released a video that clearly stated that members of the American military must not follow illegal orders. It is an important concept that has become even more important in the wake of the Second World War. The defense of many of the Nazi officers and soldiers in the aftermath of the war was that the war crimes committed, especially in the concentration camps, were a result of following orders. The action might be illegal, but what is a soldier supposed to do when an order is received through the legitimate chain of command? The trials that followed World War II made it clear that "I was just following orders" was not a defense when someone is accused of war crimes, although the further up you might be in the "chain of command," the greater the punishment you might incur.

It didn't take long for people to misunderstand the message of these six politicians. One person wrote on X (formerly Twitter),

Several members of Congress suggested the military refuse legal orders. This is seditious and traitorous behavior. These same politicians are now hiding behind their military record. Let me remind you that before Major General Benedict Arnold's treason, he was a decorated hero.

The post also featured a picture of America's infamous traitor. But that was not the message that Senator Kelly and his friends sent. The six politicians argued that illegal orders cannot be obeyed.

Isaiah would agree. Any order that is illegal or creates oppression should not be followed, even if it benefits some in society. These illegal orders are not an issue of a particular political party. Throughout the history of politics, I think that every political party has had "stupid moments." Every party has probably issued illegal orders or immoral laws. No one has a corner on that. But maybe we need to realize that the wealthy and the powerful do not need laws. Laws and orders in our societies are always for the benefit of the weak and the poor, ensuring that everyone has a chance to live the dream. Societies work when they care for "the least of these." They are dysfunctional when they don't. Isaiah makes it clear that God stands with the oppressed and with the laws and orders enacted to defend them. And woe to those from any political party that makes life harder for the needy living among us.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 10

Personal Note: Happy Birthday to my son, Craig.