Thoughts from Romans 13 (part 6)

Today I was going to go on with the section in Romans 13 about love. But I’m actually going to make you wait, and start with a review and more thoughts on honouring governing authorities. We have to make sure we’ve laid the proper foundations.

So let’s review – first, the introduction to the topic is here.

Next, we looked at the first section of the chapter, and summarized the origin and purpose of the governing authorities. They are established by God (origin) to approve good and punish evil (purpose).

Then we went back to the Pentateuch to look at the origin story of governments, and some thoughts about why we need them in a sinful world. We talked about lex rex, and the importance of the rule of law.

Next we looked at the parallel passages regarding the government, from Peter and Paul. We affirmed that Paul wasn’t just assuming that there were no evil governments, and that the apostles had apparently thought this through quite carefully. But this did raise some questions about the case where a government actually approves evil and punishes good – something we’ll obviously discuss more later.

And last time we continued moving through Romans 13, talking about the words “be subject” and specifically looking at Paul’s teaching regarding taxes. We also introduced the wider context of Titus and 1 Peter, which talk about other “authorities”, a point which will be important later.

We have finally arrived at the section on love, actually in the context of taxes and debts. Yes, pay what you owe. But remember, you will never finish paying off love.

Now, as we’ve said, we know that there are exceptions to obeying the government. But we also know that both Peter and Paul were anxious to emphasize that we should treat governing authorities with respect.

Now, this doesn’t tend to be our natural response – and so the Bible does have quite a bit to say about it. In fact, we can find a key principle way back in Exodus:

You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

Exodus 22:28

Oh, well, I don’t really “revile” or mock or make fun of our leaders in public – only in private. Weeeellll…

Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,
nor in your bedroom curse the rich,
for a bird of the air will carry your voice,
or some winged creature tell the matter.

Ecclesiastes 10:20

That’s practical wisdom, of course – you really do never know when your words will become more public than you initially intended! And so mocking our leaders is neither right nor wise.

Speaking personally, praying for our leaders has helped me (sometimes!) to avoid this attitude. That’s not to say that I don’t sometimes pray,”Lord, if it’s your will, remove this person from their position! Frustrate their plans!”

But really, we want peace. We would love to see our leaders come to know the Saviour.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

It almost sounds like part of our prayer will be that the government just leaves us alone and lets us live in peace! It reminds me of the rabbi in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. The rabbi is asked,“Is there a proper blessing for the Tzar?” and his response is “A blessing for the Tzar? Of course. May God bless and keep the Tzar … far away from us!”

We may in fact need to say some harsh things about our leaders – or to our leaders – but that is not the same as complaining and mocking.

Quite the opposite – we actually have a high position, a responsibility to intercede before God for our leaders. Pray for them! Pray for their families! Pray that God would give them wisdom! And pray that they would come to know and love the Saviour, the Lord of Lords.

It’s probably a good idea to stop there for now. But next time we’ll go back to the purpose of government. What exactly is Paul trying to say? And how does the purpose of the government fit with other authorities on earth that God has established?

And don’t worry – we’ll get back to the love section eventually!