Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1 – This certainly is not a command of scripture that is easy to follow, let alone understand. For is scripture saying that “every” authority that is established was done so by God? That God’s hand was behind even the bad politician and the dictators and the evil emperors? For let’s remember when Paul wrote this, it was in the time of the Roman empire when the emperor was not a supporter of Christianity. Did God even put that emperor in his place? The Lord did, but also keep in mind that leaders are not always put in place to bless. God very well may allow a bad leader to come into power to bring punishment over a people that has turned from the Lord. Are we then to follow everything a bad leader tells us to do since God established even them? No, if an earthly leader (good or bad) is directing us to do something contrary to that of God’s commands, then we follow the King of Kings over any earthly kingdom’s rules. Yet what if the laws, even of a bad leader, are not in opposition to anything God says but are ones we simply don’t want to follow? Then we are to follow those rules and be faithful to the authorities that are in place…even the bad ones. This means paying taxes even when we don’t want to. This means respecting the boss that is a nightmare, even when they aren’t present. This means praying for the politician even if you didn’t vote for them. No this is not going to be easy, but it is what’s going to demonstrate a testimony with our lives that is so contrary to that of the lives of those who don’t follow Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3436
Question To Ponder: What is a reason God may appoint a leader over a people?
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