The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Romans 13:1-7 // Psalm 77:13-20

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.”
1st Peter 2:12

Respecting Human Authority

Rebellion against authority is everywhere, and it is no stranger among Christians either. A bumper sticker advises, “question authority”, as if humans need any encouragement to do so. Satan told Adam and Eve to question authority and look where it got them? Ever since, a rebellious spirit has plagued the human race, and generation after generation have followed in the footsteps of our first parents. In our time, we see an alarming erosion of respect for authority in government, school, home and church.
People need to recognize God’s authority in human institutions. Many of these are God’s
agents for promoting peace, order, and progress. We have the right and duty to question human authority when it conflicts with God’s Word, but where God has chosen to work through human institutions, we are to treat them with respect and obedience.
Jesus “became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” [Philippians 2:8], and he forgave and renewed us to follow in His way – to submit to government and those who exercise authority over us. He motivates and empowers us to do.

Keep us faithful, Lord, and obedient to authorities You have given us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

June 21, 1998