by Zach Roll

Government and God.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link

“But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, ‘No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.'”
1 Samuel 8:19-20 English Standard Version

By now you are probably sick, and tired, of hearing about politics, or perhaps you are involved in politics. There are many things today that as Christians we stand up for, and some things that shouldn’t be identified with politics but sadly are treated as “political issues.”

I am constantly reminded of the books of Judges and 1 Samuel. The Israelites were jealous that, unlike other nations, they did not have a king to rule over them and protect them. They were discontent with being led, and ruled, by the God who brought them out of Egypt, and who granted them many victories in battle where the opponent was a heavy favorite.

They wanted a “real king.”

Samuel warned them what would happen if they were to go along with establishing a kingship, but the people demanded one anyway. God granted them their request. It is important to note that not all of the kings of Israel were horrible leaders. There were faithful kings who led Israel with dignity, honor, and faith. Even in government today, there are good leaders and there are bad leaders. Leaders do not have any authority that God has not given them (John 19:11).

We can be like the Israelites. We are tempted to treat our political leaders as if they are saviors. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, first and foremost recognize God as savior, judge, and ruler. The rulers of this earth are not God. They are sinful, imperfect, human beings.

As Paul admonishes in Romans, we respect earthly authority, and submit to it, unless we are commanded to sin against God. God is our ultimate ruler.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO