Honour in the City

There are times when we may well be displeased with decisions and/or processes associated with civic authorities. In Australia, it can at times be like a national pastime to 'have a go' at those who represent the establishment. Yet the Bible teaches that we are "to render to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due...fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour." (Rom.13:7)

 Peter writes that we are to "honour all people...fear God. Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17) When we consider that the king that Peter was probably referring to was Herod Agrippa, we can be forgiven for questioning how it would be possible to honour such a bad king. Agrippa had ordered the execution of James and was after Peter's life as well! Yet Peter exhorts the church to honour the king. In Acts 12, we observe how the early church prayed for Peter's welfare. One thing that they did not do was to curse the authorities that were over them. In fact they did not judge the authorities as wicked as they were. Instead they they made room for God to move. This is what grace will do. When we pray but refuse to judge, we are making room for God to move. Yes, Peter was released from prison and Agrippa was judged but by God. When the church honour the civic authorities, it makes room for divine intervention to happen.

Interestingly the Biblical examples of honouring authorities were in the context of handling either bad rulers or being captive to those authorities. Nehemiah was one such example. Whilst serving Artaxerxes as a trusted confidante, he was given favour to return to Jerusalem to oversight the rebuilding of the walls and the city gates. Nehemiah led the charge , not against authorities but by assuming responsibility for what the Jews has failed to do. He repented for the state of his people. In so doing it was as if he made room for God to move. The king's heart was softened and favour was given to Nehemiah. The believer makes room when he recognises the finished work of Christ. Grace will be at work when we let Him work as opposed to us making judgements against leaders. Jesus never rebelled against the Roman authorities even though certain parties suggested insurrection. He even paid his taxes and on one occasion paid taxes for his disciples as well.

There are times when civil disobedience may occur such as when people are asked to commit evil acts. Moses' mother disobeyed Pharaoh's order to drown her baby son. Obadiah hid 100 prophets from Queen Jezebel who ordered their execution. When believers are told not to speak the name of Jesus and/or are commanded to worship other gods, there is Biblical precedence to refuse to obey. (Acts 4:19; Rev.13:15) By the way in our increasingly politically correct culture, you can always ask someone to tell their story and then you may well earn the right to tell your story or should I say His story.






This blog is based on a message given by Ross Smith at The Vine church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia on Sunday 21st August. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.