The Source of Authority - February 13
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 88; PM Psalm 91, 92; Gen. 27:46-28:4,10-22; Rom. 13:1-14; John 8:33-47
A piece of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is in our lectionary today, and he speaks to leading and serving. It begins, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.” (13:1)
Oof. I know this is a hard one, especially when thinking about recent and ancient times in the history of humanity when people in government have claimed that God inspired or justified their acts of unchecked power. (History buffs, perhaps the phrase “divine right of kings” comes to mind right now!)
Let’s take this slowly, as Paul’s opening message is both layered and orderly. He offers a safe start: let every soul be subject to the authorities. If this message was intercepted, an operative of the Roman government would not be upset to read this. And then, he makes a theological statement: no authority or capacity or freedom exists unless it flows from God. In making this assertion, God is the source, sovereign over all. Finally, Paul says that those in power are working in a system that was arranged in an orderly manner by God. And isn’t this fitting, as YHWH is the God of creation in an ordered fashion, not of chaos.
During this era in Rome, anyone threatening the power structures was eliminated. And so, the apostle Paul’s message to the house churches was strategic and careful. He did not advise blind obedience; rather, he called the faithful to affirm that the real source of power in the world is God. He continued, “Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God’s servant for your good.” (v. 3) Leaders were God’s servant for the good of the masses. As an example, Paul said that even tax collectors (as he had been) were God’s servants (v. 6) – and as servants of God, they were bound to do good and show love and live righteously, treating all as they ought to be treated in the eyes of the Lord.
And yet, sometimes these words have been misconstrued, missing the nuance. Even as I researched this passage, the heading in one biblical translation summarized Romans 13 as “Submission to Authorities”. Readers who take this editorialized understanding to guide their immersion in the text could believe that the Bible says standing up to misuses of power is an afront to God. This conclusion contradicts the many Hebrew and Christian scriptures that tell us of faithful people honoring God and the vulnerable around them by standing up to those abusing their authority.
Paul extended this message of faithfulness to the young churches – and to us as we wander through the mire of life and faith. The apostle reminded the church and the world around it that all of us were (and are) in service to God, because he knew that God brought order and realignment of chaos – for that is what repentance is. Paul shared what Jesus preached, that when the lives of the faithful are affixed upon the love of God and the law given in the commandments, they are serving God.
My friends, our Christian servitude is not to an unjust, unpredictable tyrant, but to the steadfast, humble, and compassionate Jesus. As we go into the days ahead, let us remember Paul’s guidance in Romans 13:12 and “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”. As servants of God, let us be grounded in our commitment to serve the Lord with our selves, our souls, and bodies, and in doing so, we continue learning more about what loving God can look like.
With God’s help,
Katherine+
Reflection and Challenge
Sit with Romans 13. Spend a few moments reflecting on where you feel challenged and inspired. Journal about how you see God’s orderly care showing up in your life. Where is Jesus being revealed to you in this?
Pray for the courage of the Holy Spirit to prepare and equip you to live in the light of the redeeming Christ.