The Lord reigns

The apostle Paul lived under the rule of a despotic Roman emperor insisting that he be worshipped as a god. The apparently unassailable imperial power was mediated through local pagan regimes which left anyone not engaged in emperor worship at the margins of society. Nevertheless, in Chapter 13 of his letter to Christians in Rome, Paul wrote these humbling words:

 

Romans 13:1 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.

 

The mechanism that the Lord uses today to establish those authorities vary across the world. In our own United Kingdom we have the relative privilege of free and fair democracy. Other nations see rulers established by vastly more painful and difficult means. Yet however rulers come to power, and for us on this election-results day in the UK, whatever our political leanings, the Bible’s message to those in power is that they are only in place because God has them there – and therefore one day they will answer to Him for how they use that authority and opportunity. In the words of Psalm 2: 10 & 11 “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.”

 

Let’s pray for our rulers to recognise that massive responsibility respond accordingly. But lets pray for them to know the Lord as Saviour:
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour,
4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

 

Yet also go back and read on in Rom ch 13. And as we get to grips with vs 2 – 7, lets also pray for ourselves, that we might likewise recognise that the Lord is King and honour his servants whatever our political leanings may be.