Tag: Romans 13:1-2
Week 19–Day 1–God Establishes Authority
Scripture reading for May 4: Psalm 75:6-7 “For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God Who executes judgment, putting one down and lifting up another.” Romans 13:1-2 “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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
A clearly stated truth in Scripture concerns God’s supreme authority. God is over all authority and those holding any position of authority have their position because God placed them there. They are placed there to serve God’s purposes and enforce the laws of the land which also flow from God’s decrees. Those under authority are not to resist them or the laws they are to uphold in unapproved ways or they will incur wrath and judgment.
The psalmist said that promotion doesn’t come from any particular direction–east or west. It doesn’t come from the wilderness–something like the ‘wild west’ or from those untamed who appear to have their own authority. God uses various means to ‘lift up’ to positions of authority or to ‘put down’ another in authority when His purpose for that leader is finished. In our land, elections are one means that leave us with the idea that the common will of the people has placed someone in authority. God uses elections to fulfil His will, as He is sovereign over all authority. In dictatorships, God also places rulers in their place and even the wrath of man shall praise Him and serve His purposes in the end.
These truths help all of us to stay humble before God and those He has appointed. Those appointed by Him also must answer to Him for their stewardship and treatment of both those breaking the law and those needing protection from law-breakers. They also are mindful that they serve at God’s pleasure as He has placed them there and will remove them at His discretion.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your just and righteous rulership over all creation. Thank You for reminding us all that You establish human authority and governments and systems of law and order. Help me to submit to You and Your will in my treatment of those in authority. As I exercise authority, may I fulfil Your will with Your heart. Amen.
Civil Disobedience–Shiphrah and Puah
Scripture reading for January 19th: Exodus 1-2
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2
Is it ever right to disobey government authority? Do they always speak for God? What if they want you to do something that actually breaks God’s Law? How can you disobey civilly?
Shiphrah and Puah are ordinary Jewish women who had a job to do. They were mid-wives and helped deliver babies. They would go to the homes of pregnant Israelite women and sit with them during labor and delivery, washing off the baby and attending to the mother and child until the mothers were strong enough to take care of the child or children themselves. Pharaoh gave an order to these god-fearing women to kill all the male babies. It was a form of late-term abortion being practiced in Egypt of that time. This kind of thing was happening even 3500 years ago; there’s nothing new under the sun.
Satan comes only to kill, steal, and destroy but God is a life-giver and life-saver! These Hebrew women knew God and feared Him more than they feared Pharaoh. The chose a path of civil disobedience that is a good model for us today. They simply ignored Pharaoh’s order and did what was right in God’s eyes. When confronted, they told a story that made an excuse. They continued to do what was right before God. They knew that abortion was murder of God’s children. God was kind to them and protected them (Exodus 1:19-20). He rewarded them with families of their own. If you are faithful with the little, God can give you much! ( Luke 16:10-12)
Do an inventory today of the things God has given you stewardship over. One thing is your influence and vote in our democracy. Are you voting for those who will authorize abortion? Are you giving approval to those who would perform abortions and kill off human beings made in God’s image? Do you call the politicians that are trying to enact more laws to abort children? Are you like Shiphrah and Puah, staying strong for God and protecting life whenever and wherever you can? God rewards well and is pleased with “civil disobedience”.
If you have had an abortion or voted for that to be legal or put politicians in office that are pro-abortion, repent and ask God’s forgiveness. He is merciful and will forgive your sin! No one needs to carry guilt or shame. We for sure don’t want to be found to be an accomplice of “Pharaoh” (Satan).
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)
The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)