Daily Devotion Christians and Authorities - I Written by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy Thursday, 01 January 2015 1 Peter 2:13 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme Romans 13:1-2 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Exhortation: In the previous passage Peter told us that in this world Christians are ‘strangers and pilgrims’ and as a result they will experience false accusations and hostility. Peter also exhorted them to let their honesty and good works attract the unbelieving ones to the Lord. Peter now quickly affirms that separation from worldliness does not mean that Christians should avoid their duties as citizens. In fact he insists that our commitment to do good works must involve a submissive attitude to the government and people in authority. This word ‘submission’ (hupotasso) does not suggest absolute obedience. It is not the same as the level of obedience to Christ (obedience - hupakoe, 1:2). Nonetheless it is a call to recognise and respect the government. Peter commanded, Submit yourselves. It must be a voluntary submission. On our own accord we must show proper respect to those who are in the leadership. We should not behave like rebels. God does not want us to live in the society with arrogant and rebellious spirit. Though our eternal citizenship is in heaven, it does not relieve us from our civil responsibilities. Our speech, actions and lifestyle must show a desire to live and work harmoniously in the society. Peter wrote that submission must be shown to every ordinance of man. The word ‘ordinance’ (ktisis) refers to the institution or the office of authority. It is not a reference to every individual law. We are to respect every office of authority, though we may disagree with certain rules implemented. Apostle Peter himself is seen disobeying the commandments of the Jewish Council, which ruled over the affairs of the Jews (Acts 4-5). They refused to submit to the order that they ought to stop preaching (Acts 4:19; 5:29). This is because, as Peter put it, We ought to obey God rather than men. Christians cannot submit to the rules of a government that prohibits them from practising what the Bible teaches. But they must submit to all its rules, which are not contrary to the biblical teachings. Though the apostles disobeyed that particular injunction, they never caused any violent rebellion against the authority. It must be emphasised that Christians should never be caught in outrageous rebellion against a government. Rules and rulers may not be suit our liking and yet we, Christians, are exhorted to pay due honour and respect to authorities. Thought: Respect and co-operate with the government PRAYER: Lord, grant us a good government that we may live in peace. gethsemanebpc/resources/daily-devotion/1733-christians-and-authorities-i.html
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 04:29:44 +0000