I think everyone has a problem with their authorities at some time or another in the course of life. We are an arrogant and a prideful species, born into sin, and from a very young age, rebellious against our authorities, especially those who disagree with us. I am not a very politically minded person, and in this day and time, it's nearly impossible to tell the "good guys" from the "bad guys." But scripture does not leave us in the dark as to what we are supposed to do.
In a time and place where those who sat in the seats of authority were pagans, and where Christians may have been tempted to rebel against civil law administered by those of a pagan belief, Paul wrote: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God [he repeats emphatically]. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement upon themselves" (Romans 13:1-2). Jesus, Himself, became submissive to the civil authority of Pontius Pilate, because He knew from whence and for what purpose the authority came.
19:8 When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid; 19:9 and he entered into the Praetorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 19:10 Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? 19:11 Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin. 19:12 Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment-seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 19:14 Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King! 19:15 They therefore cried out, Away with `him', away with `him', crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. 19:16 Then therefore he delivered him unto them to be crucified.( John 19:8-16)
God knows that there will be those who twist and pervert their authority. "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan" (Prov. 29:2); "By justice a king gives a country stability, but he who is greedy tears it down" (Prov. 29:4). We are instructed to pray for those who are in authority over us, as much as we may not like it, for God does not want anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
2:1 My desire is, first of all, that you will make requests and prayers and give praise for all men;
2:2 For kings and all those in authority; so that we may have a calm and quiet life in all fear of God and serious behaviour.
2:3 This is good and pleasing in the eyes of God our Saviour;
2:4 Whose desire is that all men may have salvation and come to the knowledge of what is true.
2:5 For there is one God and one peacemaker between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
2:6 Who gave himself as an offering for all; witness of which was to be given at the right time;
2:7 And of this I became a preacher and an Apostle (what I say is true, not false,) and a teacher of the Gentiles in the true faith.
2:8 It is my desire, then, that in every place men may give themselves to prayer, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or argument.
Jesus gave Himself as an offering for all--whether we like their politics or not--every person who goes to hell is a soul that God will grieve for.
There is another type of authority for whom we must pray, and of this one my flesh is much happier to speak. God has set up a government in the body of Christ and we have been given shepherds, pastors, who we should bathe in prayer every day, and that not as an afterthought, but as concentrated, deliberate, specific prayer. "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give account. Obey them so their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Heb. 13:17). They also live with much responsibility: "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them, So be on your guard!" (Acts 20 28-31a). What a huge burden to carry. Even if we may say this was a specific response written to a specific church, is it not the same in our own contemporary churches? Our pastors are also placed in authority over us by the direction of God and need our support and prayer. Our pastor's families need our support and prayer. What is the vision of the pastor for the church? Pray into that! What decisions must the pastor make for the church? Pray into that!--and not that your will be done, but that the pastor may have the mind of Christ in all things! "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man" (James 3:1-2b). Pastors carry a heavy burden and we must attempt not to make the burden heavier, but to assist when we can, by God's direction and under our pastor's authority.
Regardless of the type of government we discuss, God's promise is clear:
9:6 For to us a child has come, to us a son is given; and the government has been placed in his hands; and he has been named Wise Guide, Strong God, Father for ever, Prince of Peace.
9:7 Of the increase of his rule and of peace there will be no end, on the seat of David, and in his kingdom; to make it strong, supporting it with wise decision and righteousness, now and for ever. By the fixed purpose of the Lord of armies this will be done.
Heavenly Father, Authority over all, God Almighty, I ask that You bless the governing authorities in the United States of America with Your wisdom and justice. I pray that they may all find salvation in You, from the President on down the line, even to individual city mayors and councils. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven! And bless all the pastors of all the churches on this planet that teach Your word of truth--protect them and guide them into all truth, and grant them Your peace. And Lord I thank You for the gift of Pastor Randy and Karen. Give them wisdom and discernment as they seek Your will for Cornerstone Fellowship Church. May they always find the love and support they need in You and in those You send their way; may their needs always be met according to Your riches in glory through Christ Jesus; and may Your anointing continually fall upon them and those You have placed in their care. Grant them the fullness of Your blessings, Lord of All! Amen
13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.
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