The Bible
– The
Good News Translation
1
Everyone must obey the state authorities, because no authority exists without
God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. 2
Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone
who does so will bring judgment on himself.
4 …. they are God’s servants working for your own good
4 …. they are God’s servants working for your own good
Thoughts:
This is probably one of the most challenging verses for us to
follow, because we tend to look at the corruption and evil that goes on in
government, and the laws that are put in place that especially seem to hurt
Christians. It is obvious from the first 6 verses in Romans 13 that Paul
encountered Christian brothers and sisters who thought very much the same as
the way we tend to think today. I believe that anytime a law is instituted that
works against our bottom line, we tend to send ‘hate vibes’ towards our
senators, or authorities who had anything to do with the new law. In fact, at
re-election time we have the availability to look into a candidate’s record and
see exactly how they voted on certain items. Not a bad idea, but it also helps
to build a wall of hatred and/or disrespect towards that person. I believe what
Paul is teaching here actually goes very deep, because I believe he is telling
us that if we are doing everything above board, then we have nothing to fear of
our government leaders. I also believe that if we follow other Biblical
references to pray for God’s direction as we vote, and yes Christians you must
lead the pact in going out to vote, then our prayer, in faith, will play a part
in having God’s man/woman elected. Further, I believe that if we had to
publicly pray for our elected officials more than we complain about them, then
perhaps God will intervene in their decision making and guide them into right
decisions that will be pleasing to Him. Bottom line is that our officials are
in place as God’s representatives/servants for our good (vs 4), and we are to obey
them and support them so that God’s work might be accomplished through them.
Friends remember, our initial instructions come from God, so our obedience,
respect and prayerful support towards our leaders is a sign of obedience to
God. Key points – prayer before voting; prayer while these folk are in power, as
God’s servants, and our leaders; obedience and support of those servants of God
for whom we are praying daily. Let’s get before God in prayer and ask Him to
tender our hearts so that we can be obedient to Him in all things!
Prayer:
Lord, this is very challenging for us, so I humbly ask You to
help us to get out of the ‘driver’s seat’ and allow You to control our
government leaders/Your servants in place for our good. To do this I must first
personally ask that You help me to totally surrender to You as my authority,
because when I try to do your job I am showing lack of faith and trust in You.
Please forgive me for that, and build my faith to a level where I can trust You
in ALL things. Lord. I am embarrassed by some of the comments I hear from other
Christian leaders about Your servants, please speak to these friends and
co-laborers in Your work here on earth and help
us all to submit to Your authority and will for our every concern,
especially our government leaders. I must acknowledge that You are God over ALL
things in our lives, not just the pieces that go our way and seem to benefit us
personally. Please remind us of that when we tend to question those in authority.
Needing Your help in such a powerful way, I humbly ask this in Your holy and
most worthy name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!
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