Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Authority

"1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2 1-4

We often think one political party has the upper hand or the other is causing all the trouble but that may only be part of the whole picture.  When we look at Paul's instructions to Timothy, we see that he was in fact asking 1st century Christians to pray for a rather corrupt, oppressive government, that of the Roman Empire.  This same empire under the prodding of the Jews had put their leader to death.  Still Paul asks fellow believers in Yahushua Ha Messiach to pray for representatives of this brutal order?

This is because he knew that there is no authority except by God.  In other words, even today, the rulers are in their position because our Heavenly Father allows it.

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  Romans 13:1-2

Does this mean that God condones the evil and lawless things these governments do?  Certainly not but if we read further in Romans we'll see that God understands that the absence of authority is anarchy.  Can you imagine life with no structure or authority at all?  Believe me, you wouldn't want to live in a country like that but many of our fellow Christians abroad do.

4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:4-5 

Even though the various governments are far from perfect, they do serve God's purpose in protecting the lives and property of its citizens.  With that protection, we are able to carry out peaceful lives as chaos would be the likely result of no government authority at all.  As far as it goes with us however, each Christian should consult their conscience in choosing godly people for political office.