LEARNING DAILY

 

Romans 13:1-2, Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

 

I believe I am as the phrase goes, “a glutton for punishment”. Here goes. I have to ask; did you listen to the speech the president gave last night? If so, what did you think? I could not help think about the verses from Romans 13 and, yes, you need to read all of that chapter. At the same time, I thought of a statement from a discussion between Bill Koenig and Tom Hughes that I listened to yesterday as well. That statement was that this president was God’s way of punishing America. How does that statement work with the verses from Romans? Does not God give us good only?

 

Read this statement from the notes in the LSSB. “God commands Christians to obey the state, for the state as an institution is ordained and established by God. God has instituted government because in this world we need certain restraints to protect us from the chaos and lawlessness that is the natural result of sin.” My question in response is why would God “appoint” those in leadership who want to put into law those ways of life that are contrary to His laws in the Bible. What is going on when government commands us to follow something that violates God’s laws or forbids us from doing what God commands? What do we believe when we hear that certain actions done by one side are wrong but the same type of actions by the side of those in power are permissible? The Bible is very clear that wrong actions are wrong actions, no matter which side of the political spectrum is doing it.

 

The Apostle Paul is describing government as it should be. When government (the people running it) no longer functions as God desires, it is no longer operating according to His purpose(s). You and I must never forget that God is the ultimate ruler over all earthly leaders. Daniel 2:21 speaks of God setting up rulers and removing leaders to serve His purpose(s). God has His purpose for setting up the leaders of this country, which means He has a purpose for this president to be president. This president flaunted the number of votes he received when elected as if that gave him the right to govern in any way he wanted. From what I have seen, he has chosen a path that is very different from God’s desire.

 

You and I need to be praying for those in authority. We must pray that leaders turn to the Lord for salvation and to be led by Him.  However, the way for you and me and all Believers is clear – we are to obey God and not men. There is a way to disagree with government. As with everything God’s Word give us examples for us to follow. Let me give two. In the book of Exodus midwives were commanded to kill every male child born to the Hebrews. They chose to obey God and did not do what they were commanded. As a result, Moses was not killed and you know his story. The other example is from the book of Daniel. Again, the king was talked into decreeing that none should be worshipped or prayed to except King Darius. Daniel, as was his habit went to an open window, knelt and prayed to God. He was arrested and thrown into a den of lions. He had to disobey the king’s demand because the command would have forced him into idolatry.

 

The examples are used to show that we do not follow God’s law in an aggressive or mean way. Following God is done in a way that honors and glorifies Him. The call in the president’s speech was not unifying; it only caused division. The only way for change to occur in this country is through love. The DJSB states, “The greatest moral force in the world is not the law but love. Love for God and for others empowers people to do what they cannot accomplish in the flesh – fulfill the law.” Our leaders need us to pray for them. Our leaders need Jesus.

 

I mentioned a conversation between Bill Koenig and Tome Hughes. It was sent to me by a brother in Christ from Waco. If you are interested in listening to the entire conversation, send me a reply and I will send it to you.

 

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study