Daily Devotional

-November 3, 2020-

Good morning, happy Tuesday, happy Election Day,

-Submit To The Governing Authorities Who Are Appointed By God-

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

(Romans 13:1).

While voting itself is not mentioned in the Scriptures, governing authorities are and how we are respond to them definitively is. Voting for president takes place every four years and is a right, privilege, and responsibility we as Americans have. We should never take it lightly or for granted. It is all part of our freedoms as a nation; men and women died to give us all our freedoms and to maintain them.

Here in our text we note two very important things, that no matter who the president is and other government leaders are: we should be subject to them and all authority is from God and He appoints our leaders. We can be confident therefore that will of God will be done, and we must accept it. This passage of Scripture is in the context of Romans 13:1-7.

• Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities – To be subject is to be obedient to their authority. We have laws, regulations, and rules that must be followed. We as Christians especially should maintain a strong testimony of adherence. In this way we please God. Romans 13:5 says, “Therefore you must be subject, not only for wrath (i.e. punishment if we disobey), but also for conscience’ sake (i.e. to obey and please God).

We ask ourselves is there any exceptions to this requirement? The answer is yes, just one, if the governing authorities demand we do something wrong, not preach the gospel, or gather together as a church, or not to pray, or read the Bible, then we can should disobey. Peter and apostles experienced this in early days of the church. Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel in Jesus’ name. Acts 4:18-20, says, “So they called and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard.’” This the one and only exception.

• For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God – Thus God is behind the authorities, whether they are good or bad. In the days of Jesus and the apostles, the Romans were in power and in most all cases were very bad. They were heartless and ruthless. The Jews were the authorities in spiritual matters. Both the Romans and the Jews were against Christ.

Our government leaders today are not perfect, but they are better in many ways from those in the days of the early church and even from other leaders of other countries today. We are blessed to have a republic, with a democracy, the constitution, all the laws and freedoms we have. Freedom of religion is such a blessing as is freedom of assembly and speech.

We should thank God for our governing authorities, honor them, respect them, appreciate them, and pray for them. Paul wrote, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Will join me in praying for our nation and the election today? Since God appoints the authorities we can rest, have peace, and not stress out over it as so many in the world are doing. If our candidate wins, thank God, if not thank God also, for He knows best and His will be done. And do not stop praying for God to give our president wisdom and guidance every day. Let us remember the words of Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

Have a blessed Election Day, voting and trusting God for the results. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean