As has become my tradition, here is my scriptural reading that I do every fourth of July:
“At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king said, ‘Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty power and for my glorious majesty?’ While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: The kingdom has departed from you! You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals and gives it to whom he will.’ Immediately the sentence was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven away from human society, ate grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails became like birds’ claws.
When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What are you doing?’ At that time my reason returned to me; and my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom. My counselors and my lords sought me out, I was re-established over my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are truth, and his ways are justice; and he is able to bring low those who walk in pride.” (Daniel 4:29-37)
I will submit another:
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
It’s been over forty years since anyone, Christian or otherwise, was found guilty of sedition. I agree with Paul – submit and don’t rebel. My only question is: to whom in America is this directed today? What Christians support rebellion? Today civil religion has so frequently replaced Christianity that I don’t know of many Christians who would even be tempted to rebel.
And remember, the passage says, “there is no authority except that which God has established.”
That includes Saddam, Khamenei, and the Taliban. It includes abusive parents and mob bosses. The guards at Abu Ghraib and Joseph Stalin. No authority except that which God has established.
Hardly company to brag about.
My little snippet:
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
I can’t resist. From Matthew 6:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Zach, I suppose my scripture was more directed at July 4, 1776. I find it ironic that so many Christian churches celebrate Independence Day, which, if I understand Paul correctly, represents a quite unChristian event.
Sorry for the knee-jerk Nathan.
Great passage, Halden. I sunk my head into it while everyone was singing “America, America, God shed His grace on Thee.” I have to pick my battles. . . ;-)
The great thing about Romans 13 is that it begins in Romans 12. :)
-Jon