The government and me
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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted… –Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)
I'll confess - I have a deep and longstanding disdain for government. Let me clarify. I don’t hate law and order. I don’t hate organizing and cooperating for the common good. I know many government workers and elected officials who are good, decent, and upright people who have a heart for service. But collectively, I think the government pokes its nose into a TON of things it has no business in, collects an excessive percentage of my paycheck to fund policies I do not agree with, and is generally inefficient and often corrupt in the process. As a result, I tend to chafe at Paul’s directive here.
On the other hand, this verse gives me hope because it reminds me that regardless of how poor a job I may think the government is doing, it is in God’s hands. He raises men and women up into positions of authority for His purposes, then replaces them when those purposes are served. Throughout that process, He cares for His own. In fact, His Kingdom often thrives when societies and cultures are at their worst.
The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. –Daniel 1:19 (NIV)
In foxhole discussion this week, we remembered the Old Testament stories of Daniel and his government worker friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (a.k.a. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). In a situation where they might have despaired, sulked, or rebelled, they chose to perform their duties with excellence under multiple kings from two kingdoms which had enslaved their people. They served with distinction, then became distinctive when they refused orders that would’ve violated their consciences before God.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” –Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)
The result was pagan rulers who acknowledged the greatness and goodness of God.
I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel:
For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions. –Daniel 6:26-27 (NIV)
Where does that leave me? Well, my foxhole men and I thanked God that we live in the USA in 2020. None of us could recall the last time we had been commanded to worship a statue of the king, or threatened with being burned to death or eaten by lions as a result of breaking the law. If Christ is my Lord, I won't always get to pick my assignments, but all things considered, this one has been comparatively easy so far. Then we prayed for the wisdom, diligence, integrity, tact, faith, and courage of Daniel and his friends. They recognized they were strangers in a strange land. Though Babylon was not their final home, God had placed them there for a reason.
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. –Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
With that mindset, I can heed the encouragement of Paul.
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. –Romans 13:11 (NIV)