Read Ecclesiastes 8:1-10. Romans 13:1-2
In the Ancient East centuries before Christ, the king had absolute power and rule. While some of these kings may have been benevolent rulers, many (if not most) were self interested rulers who let nothing stand in the way of their goals and desires. The king had power over life and death. If a king said a person was to die, he or she would be killed without mercy. The king’s word was supreme and could not be challenged or resisted.
We today are not ruled by such autocratic dictators and we look back in disgust and horror at such dictators that we’ve witnessed in our recent generations. We tend to think of ourselves as more autonomous and more independent than the subjects of the kings of yesteryear.
But Romans 13:1-2 tells us that we are to willingly submit ourselves to the governing authorities. We are to obey them with proper respect. We are not to put ourselves above the authorities nor are we to decide when we will and will not obey them. Whether we agree with their decision re taxes or rules/regulations we are called by God to submit and to obey. We are not the arbiter and judge, God is! Of course there may be times when the governments and ruling authorities oppose God and our allegiance must go to God, the higher authority. But in the general course of life we are called to willingly submit and obey the ruling authorities for they have been put there by God.
As verse 5 shows there is a proper time and procedure for everything. The wise believer will use these proper channels and procedures to vent his/her dissension and to raise the relevant issues. Prudence is the way of the wise man. Aggressive assertion is the way of the fool.
Even if we disagree vehemently with the governing authority of the day we can rest assured that all people will die and will be called to account before God. Even those who put on a righteous façade but indulge in wickedness behind closed doors will be called to God and will be asked to give an account of their dealings. No one - no king,
What a joy and a blessing for the believer to know that God will call the wicked to account. Evil will not triumph. God will!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
ª Pray that your church would reach many unreached people this Christmas. Pray that the Christmas Day service would be greatly attended and that all the believers present would lovingly welcome and reach out to the non-Christians attending. Pray that these people would be challenged and struck by the Word of God as it is faithfully preached.
ª Pray that the youth of your church would grow in holiness, in love for Christ and in wisdom and obedience throughout this soon to come holiday period.
Discussion Questions For Families and Groups
1. How can believers deal with the issue of evil and suffering in the world today?
2. What are some things you can do to encourage other Christian's this week?
3. What stops you from obeying Hebrews 3:12-13 and encouraging other believers daily?
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