THURSDAY September 7th
1 Peter 2:13–17
‘Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.’
The verses before us today are a reminder of God’s provision of law and order through human institutions and for the requirement of our being subject to those who are in authority. But there is within these verses the requirement of those in authority as well, to punish those who do evil and to praises those who do good.
As believers, we should constantly be those who are doing good and the good that we do should be seen in society around us and we thank God for every Christian activity that spills into society that shows to the world around us that God loves and God cares. Think of the blessing that the Salvation Army has been throughout it’s history and what can be said of them can be said of others, and not just organisations but also individuals who have been a reflection of the love of God to society through the good that they have done.
It is sad today that the Christian faith that has given so much to the betterment of society in the past is being shunned and rejected. We need to pray that God by the power of his Holy Spirit will move again in sovereign power bringing about a revival in our own nation.
But alongside this Scripture we have the instruction of Paul as he writes to Timothy ‘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)
Our Government today certainly needs our prayer, and I am not just referring to the party in power but also to those who are in opposition, I do not think I can recall a time when their seems to be so much back-biting, back-stabbing and division. They seem to be seeking after their own interests rather than the interest of our nation and we need to pray urgently that God would raise up again godly men and women who are not seeking their own selfish ambitions but whose priority is for the nation and men and women who will seek the righteous ways of God.
But let us also at the same time be reassured that what ever party is in Government, it is God who is sovereign over all. He raises up and he brings down, he holds all power and all authority and ultimately it is God himself who we are subject to.