Authority

Today's readings: Ps 107:33-43, 108; Jud 16:1-14; Acts 7:30-43; John 5:1-18

Question: What is the relationship of a Christian to worldly authority?
Answer: Good question! Few topics of debate demonstrate how clearly we can use scripture to justify completely opposing positions.

Some people believe scripture (Romans, Daniel, Peter, etc.) tells us to yield to secular authority because God establishes it. Some go so far as to declare voting unchristian because voting for the loser puts one at odds with God’s purposes. Authority is to be obeyed unless such authority is counter to God’s will. Of course, despite different understandings of God’s will among Christians of good faith, most groups who embrace this position are confident their understanding is the correct one. It’s too easy to credit God when we like an outcome, and blame sin when we don't.

The actions of the prophets, Christ and the apostles seem to tell a different story. In the reading from John, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, then instructs him to carry his mat away – thus breaking Jewish laws against work on the Sabbath, and setting himself in opposition to the authorities. In Acts, Stephen must defend himself against authority because he preaches Jesus as the Messiah. Most Old Testament prophets were outlaws because they spoke against the status quo to proclaim God’s desire for love and mercy above law and sacrifice. We can choose to follow them as examples, but one could argue these people were prompted to disobedience directly by God, and we are not.

So what do we do? Our first allegiance is to our faith. We live out that faith regardless of whatever government or other worldly authority holds power. Rebelliousness for its own sake is not a virtue, but we must always evaluate the demands of authority against God’s will (as we faithfully understand it) and act accordingly. Whether we believe God’s kingdom is yet to be realized by a second coming of Christ, or has a present aspect, we are clearly called to serve the poor, the ill, and the hungry. If systems and processes prevent us from doing so, we must oppose them. We may not be of the world, but we are living in it.

Comfort: Our faith is constant, despite our circumstances.

Challenge: Pray for authorities, whether you support or oppose them.

Prayer: God of healing, grant me wisdom as I move through the world.

Evening readings: Ps 33