Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. . . . For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. Romans 13:1,4
God Is Still in Charge
Government can be frustrating. Ever-changing tax forms. Long lines at government offices. And sometimes, real injustice. Someone wrongs you, and the courts say it isn’t worth their time. It’s easy to lose hope.
So, what the Bible says about government might surprise you.
Paul, an early follower of Jesus, wrote these words to Christians living under the Roman Empire. Its government was often harsh. Even so, Paul says that governing authorities are established by God, and that a person in authority is “God’s servant for your good” (verse 4).
That doesn’t mean every government is perfect or every law is fair. It does mean God is not absent. He uses government, even flawed government, to bring order, protect people, and punish wrongdoing. Imagine life with no courts, no fire departments, no traffic laws, and no safety standards for food and medicine.
Here is the clearest example that God is in charge, even when government fails. Two thousand years ago, a Roman governor named Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but he gave in to the crowd to protect his own position.
It looked like a terrible failure of justice. Yet Jesus told Pilate that any power he had was given from above. God was still in charge. He used that unjust verdict to rescue the world. Jesus’ death paid for the sins of every person, including yours, and his resurrection opens the way to life with God forever.
Whatever your government does, and whatever frustrations you carry, you have peace through Jesus. Government keeps order in this life. Only Jesus gives life forever. God has forgiven you and made you a citizen of a better country. No government can take that away. The God who brought good out of Pilate’s verdict is still at work today, and he is working for you.
Prayer:
Almighty God, King, and Lord of all, thank you for caring for me through governing authorities. Help me be a responsible citizen, and give me hope, trusting that you are working good even through imperfect governments. Amen.
