One Who Resists Authority

Scripture: Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2

Observation: Paul commands believers to obey the government. While it may be tempting to think that Paul's message could not apply to this day and age, for he did not understand the future state of government, Paul was - in fact - speaking to Christians living in Rome. These were individuals persecuted by the government for failing to worship the emperor himself. These were people who knew the government itself opposed God and opposed them. Yet Paul tells them to submit to authority ... not to disavow God, but to obey the laws and government.

Application: Once again, a word is invoked that today carries a different tone. Previously we have seen "love" and "pride" used by people who oppose God nature in manipulative or misunderstood way. Here, we see the same with the word "resist". In the U.S. today, "resist" is a hashtag proudly posted to fight the government. Paul was explicitly clear ... resisting authority is to be opposed to God.

Again, Paul is not saying this lightly, given the Roman context. Nor is this a "comply with societal norms" message. This is a "submit to normal governmental rule" message, and trust that God is in control when it comes to managing the nations. We can figure out the exceptions (like acts of state sponsored genocide), but certainly we can trust God in our current circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, I trust you in everything, also knowing that the times are indeed dark. We see brother against father, and ethnicities in opposition. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.