Dear Family and Friends,

Have you been following the January 6 Select Committee Hearings? If you haven’t, I highly recommend you do. Why? Because these hearings are not really about politics. The underlying lesson from these hearings is that our democracy is much more fragile than we collectively believe.

Do you remember learning in school about the greatness of America’s unique form of government? How the three branches were designed to maintain a balance of power? Do you remember how proud and special we felt?

What we are learning from these hearings is that our democracy, while great, is wholly dependent on its citizens obeying the law.

This, of course, is true for all forms of government. Civility cannot otherwise exist. In order for mankind to co-exist, we need to agree to and live according to rules of law.

And no one knows this better than God. This is why God gave His people the laws through Moses.

With this as a backdrop, let’s look at a passage that has perplexed and maybe challenged many of us.

“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.”‭‭ Romans‬ ‭13:1 NIV‬

Today we will address three questions that commonly arise from reading this passage.

It would be a gross understatement to say there have been a few questionable leaders over the centuries. How can we be certain that God established all the leaders, even those who did evil?

Let’s start by reminding ourselves of what Jesus said to Pilate, the very person who ordered He be crucified.

“‘Do you refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.’” John‬ ‭19:10-11‬ NIV

Let’s also remember that understanding God’s plans for the leaders He picks is well beyond our pay grade, so to speak.

Remember that with God, nothing is impossible. And that God can use any leader, good or bad, for His glory.

For example, we all agree that there was little good in Adolf Hitler, the leader who directed millions of evil acts against humanity.

But let’s look at the aftermath of his horrific actions.

According to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Holocaust had cataclysmic impacts on our lives and world, such as:

  • Nations pledged to prevent and punish ‘genocide.’
  • Internatonal protection of human rights and refugees were broadened.
  • The movement toward reconciliation between Christians and Jews advanced. 

Perhaps the most visible impact was the sense of urgency generated for establishing a Jewish state. The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948, after decades of diplomacy. 

I’m not condoning Hitler’s actions nor am I suggesting God caused Hitler to do evil. I am however saying that God has plans for both good kings and the ones we certainly wouldn’t pick.

The second question that arises from reading Romans 13:1 has to do with exceptions. When, if ever, is it okay to not submit to governing authorities?

Let’s look at what Peter and John said when confronted by the rulers and elders, including the high priest and his family.

“Then they (the authorities) called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:18-20‬ NIV

When authorities direct us to sin or practice lawlessness (1 John 3:4) we should obey God.

But in doing so, we should be loving and not antagonistic, following Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:14 NIV. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

The last question for today is why; why should we submit to governing authorities?

The answer can be found in Romans‬ ‭13:5 NIV‬.

“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”

Because Romans 13:2-4 explains well what Paul means by ‘possible punishment,’ let’s spend a little time on what it means to submit to authorities as ‘a matter of conscience.’

The dictionary defines conscience as an inner feeling or voice which acts as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior.

As Christians, we know that our conscience actually comes from God. He gave us a moral awareness that reacts when our thoughts, words or actions align or deviate from a standard of right or wrong. 

We also know that submitting to governing authorities is an act of love.

Paul teaches us in Romans 12:9-21 to put our love into action. To “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good,” ‭‭and to “Be careful to do what is right in the eye of people.” Romans 12:9,17

Allow me to close with an example.

There are many in Japan who are against reopening the country to tourists. They give one reason – the tourists from China, who account for eighty percent of the total visitors, have earned a poor reputation in Japan.

The Japanese say they are disorderly and they steal. This in a country with strong values of order, honesty and mutual respect.

There’s more but in short, these visitors from China don’t behave in a manner acceptable to their hosts. 

Dear friends, Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9-17 that we too are foreigners. We are God’s special possession, chosen to declare the praises of Jesus.

It is God’s will that we do good. And that we show proper respect to everyone, love our brothers and sisters in Christ, fear God, and honor our leaders.

Let us therefore be good tourists while here on earth.

In love always,