All Authorities Are Established by God
Scripture Passage: Romans 13:1-7 (NASB)
1 Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.
SUMMARY
Paul urges believers to respect and honor the governing authorities. He gives them a clear reason—because they are established by God (v. 1), and works as a servant of God (v. 4) for our own good. He also declares that it is necessary for us to be in subjection to their regulations. If we obey the governing laws, there will be no fear because we will do what is good and right. However, rulers are a cause of fear if we are disobedient and doing evil.
REFLECTION
With many conflicting news that we hear about hypocritical leaders of our nation and world-wide evil of dogmatic authorities (communism), we can not help but be disappointed and perhaps hopeless. But, yet we see that they are appointed for God’s purpose. I believe, for the majority of the part, we experience great peace and freedom because of the order and laws they have set to keep us safe and regulated. Without them, we would have more chaos and evil practices.
First Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
We have the duty as believers to pray for these leaders. They have the power to make change and enforce the laws to their favor. We may not be able to change their hearts, but God can move them however He desires. I may not agree in many issues and even show my contempt to our leaders, but I will agree to acknowledge their appointment by God and fulfill God’s will by obeying rules set out for me because God’s word says so.
APPLICATION
When I think about the issues that pertain to the potential recall of our state’s governor, the US president’s handling of current events, and the corruption of many members in government, I realize how much prayer is needed in my heart for them. I could judge all I want, but if I really cared, I would stop the complaining and start the praying. If I were in their shoes and had their power and influence, I may be enticed to do the same... sin is insidious in that way. I will hold my tongue when I am tempted to deride them or be disdainful. Rather, I will take a moment to release the matter to the Lord and ask the Lord to give them wisdom, to be merciful to them and to place a God fearing heart within them. In doing so, I will put my trust first in God and not rely heavily on the government to meet my needs.
PRAYER
Thank you Father for establishing law and order through our government. I learned once again, that they are a picture of Your sovereign hand upon our lives. We reap so much benefits from them. Thank You for the freedom and peace we have in worshipping You. It’s a freedom not all believers have. Help us not to take it for granted. Lead us to pray for our nation’s leaders on a regular basis, to have compassion and empathy for them as they listen for Your directions. Help them to choose what is righteous, just and holy and pleasing before You, and to protect the poor, the weak and the needy.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
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