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DIVINE ORDER
MONDAY, AUGUST 15
1 Peter 2:13-15

Psalm 47

 

“…take not the word of truth

utterly out of my mouth…”

 

DIVINE ORDER
 
These are days when chaos rather than order seems to rule in the hearts of men. Riots and protests are signs of the lawless attitude so prevalent today. The breaking of old and tried moral codes and customs has become a way of life. What is to be the Christian’s position in all of this? In today’s verses Scripture gives some very plain answers to these problems.
 
In 1 Peter 2:13-14, God speaks of a Christian’s relationship with the government. We are instructed to be subject to the government and its laws whether these are given directly by the supreme head of state or by his representative. Scripture reminds us that all the governments of the earth rule only with God’s permission (Dan 4:17; Rom 13:1). This does not mean that all rulers please God or are children of God, but that they will rule only so long as God permits.
 
Governments are supposed to administer the laws with justice. They are there “for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well” (1 Pet 2:14). Of course, not all governments are good or just. At the time these words were written, the Jewish nation was suffering under the oppression of their Roman conquerors. And yet God’s commands are absolute. We do not obey our government because it is good, but because God says we, as His children, must obey.
 
There is only one cause for a Christian to disobey his government, and this is when freedom to worship God and witness is denied. Thus, it was in Acts 5:29 that the Apostle said we must obey God rather than man. When this freedom is denied, the Christian has the right to follow God even to martyrdom. But in all other instances, as servants of the true and living God, we are to obey those in authority, thereby helping to bring about stability of life that will enable the church to bear witness to God’s saving grace.
 
THOUGHT: What should be the Christian’s relationship with his government?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou move my government to be there “for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well” (1 Pet 2:14).

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