Issue 21 - Day 3

Romans 13

Romans 13:1-4
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.
3)  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4)  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Paul wrote this letter to the Romans around ten years before the great fire of Rome. Nero was already in power, but his major persecution of Christians did not begin until he accused them of causing the great fire of Rome. So at this point, the main question in their minds was, do we obey Nero, who just gained power by assassination? Even later when the persecution started these words still remained true.The rulers of this world, no matter how evil, are set in place by God. Even Pharoah was set in place by God, and in fact it says that he was put there specifically to bring about the liberation of Israel, despite the fact that he began his reign punishing, killing and enslaving them.

We do not know in most cases why God has let certain people gain power in this world, though he uses them all to work his plan regardless of who they are. We then are to obey the authorities, unless doing so goes against God. Leaders that bring peace are clearly good. Leaders that bring persecution are also being used of God, for out of persecution our faith grows. Just look at how the church has exploded under persecution in China. Pray for our leaders, that we may have freedom to follow God in peace.