Proper 18: Epistle, Romans 13:1-10                                  

Romans 13:1-10

There are a few topics that you run across in church work that evoke rather visceral responses from the people you love and serve. You can probably think of some as you read this. But one that stands out to me is the issue our text deals with today: submission. To be under the charge of another is something that most bristle at and Americans, in particular, have little stomach for it. We’re raised with that strong independence from our forefathers. For that I am grateful most of the time being a direct descendant of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams. 

Regardless of personal preferences and habits, God’s Word lays out the principle of submission to God-ordained authority. For all of us. Romans 13 makes it clear that God gives us government and that government is His servant, His minister for good. Granted. We are to show honor to whom it is due, pay revenue, taxes and give respect. It isn’t hard if we are mastered by the love of Christ, but oh my flesh is strong and rebellion on this point is sometimes where my flesh wants to go.

Then there is the issue of our response when the government itself is evil, or corrupt. No doubt, God knows what power and influence do to the unregenerate human heart. But regardless of our immediate situation, we are always called to submit to God. So at the least we are called to pray for those God has placed over us. We can and should pray for their repentance and the gift of faith to be given them. But we can also pray that any evil to which our leaders find themselves a party would be restrained by God. I find I am praying that prayer almost daily for the leaders of the country, state, and community I love.

But it’s not just a matter of politics. It’s marriage, family, work and nearly every relationship in which we are involved. Someone is in the lead and God has set them there. It may be you. It may not. But let’s check our hearts and by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, let us be agreeable to the charge to submit for the sake of Christ’s love. Always out of love.