The Christian and The Authorities

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 39,40 and Romans 13.

In Romans 13, Paul goes on to elaborate on practical Christian living.

As noted in v. 9, the "royal law" (as touted by James in 2:8) is to be the basis of our dealings with anyone and everyone. Yes, even the authorities! Paul gives us the reason is the opening verse - the powers that be are ordained of God.
What? Even an evil dictator? What about certain religious states?
We need to bear in mind, Paul wasn't writing from an ivory tower, waxing lyrical on some utopian ideal. He was well aware of the situation surrounding the Christians of that time. There was persecution like never before seen. This was the era of Nero, infamous for his tyrannical rule and one of the early persecutors of Christianity.

Ok, so what then? If the government outlaws Christianity and all forms of evangelism do we follow suit?
It is obvious from the fact that despite all this, Christianity grew and Paul was even able to preach in peace in his Roman imprisonment. God's commandments, along with the "royal law" takes priority. We follow exactly what God commands and He will provide. If not this life, FOR SURE the life to come (Rev 2:10).

What is said of against here by Paul is the use of unlawful means to go against the authorities.
Jesus himself gave the perfect example. We recall how Peter sought to fend off Jesus' captors by drawing his sword and even cutting off the ear of the unfortunate Malchus (Jhn 18:10).
In fact, as we've read in the previous chapter of Romans 12, the Christians were even to do good to their persecutors. As a parallel example in today's readings in Genesis, we see the well known example of Joseph. In spite being hated and maligned, Joseph did not rebel or fight tooth and nail to "clear his name" but just continued to do what is right in the sight of God and of course the rest is history.

God doesn't require us to wave our swords and go on protests to "defend" His name. The "crusades" was a great misfortune in the history of mankind, the motivation of which is at best grossly misguided and in all actuality, nothing but just out of selfish political ambition. God simply asks of us to keep His Word. That is the most important thing and that is what we need to do in order not to deny His name.

I don't want to make any "political" statements but this I will say - go ahead and join and support whatever parties you subscribe to (provided they do not hold glaringly ungodly views). BUT, as Christians, I believe we should not go on and on and rant and rave about the authorities, especially nowadays when it is so easy to go en masse via social media and the internet. (Sure, if we have a genuine concern, write in through proper channels) This is exactly the same concept that we should extend to anyone and everyone. Would it be acceptable if a Christian goes on and on to criticise and slimeball another individual (c.f.1Pe 2:1; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8, etc, etc, etc)? What makes us think the authorities come under different light?
Oh but didn't Jesus repeatedly pronounce woes to the Pharisees? True, but He didn't command his disciples to do so! And of course it was done openly where anyone could counter-argue and defend. Not the incessant griping and complaining and satiring under a front. Furthermore it was to a group directly related to what He was preaching about. Jesus didn't go about ranting against the government. In fact the concept Paul spoke of was from Jesus Himself (c.f. Mat 22:17-21).

At the end of the day, Paul reminds us - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:14) WE ARE CHRIST'S! That should be our primary concern that we go about our Father's business in the quiet manner he has purposed for us, knowing that our fight and reward is not physical but spiritual and what a glorious heavenly reward awaits those who will obey His will.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ~ Romans 1:16,17