Politics. We are in the middle of an election. How should a Christian relate to governing authorities? Does the Bible say anything about this? The answer is an emphatic “Yes”! But I’m afraid this section of scripture can be very unpopular when your preferred political party is out of power. However, this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it and humbly trust God’s word over our feelings. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Lord God, the words “Jesus is King” come easily to our lips,
yet we often fail to grasp the significance of what they mean for us.
At this hour, help us worship you in spirit and truth,
and give us a vision for how we may live in homage to you every day of our lives,
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Chapter 13 of Romans may be one of the least read portions of scripture. It is very countercultural during seasons of political tension. As you read this scripture, recall that Rome was an harsh ruler. Recall that the New Testament was written during the reigns of the unstable Caligula, the unjust Claudius who expelled all Jews from Rome, and the infamous Nero, who burned Christians as scapegoats. Then, in humility, answer the questions.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to remember who we are and who you are!
Romans 13:1-7

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all.
We confess that we have not bowed before him and are slow to acknowledge his rule.
We place our trust in the powers of this world and taste the corruption of justice and love.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Raise us to trust in Jesus him as ruler of all, to whom rulers must ultimately bow.
Let us be loyal ambassadors of your kingdom,
obeying your commands and trusting in your sovereign rule
through Jesus Christ the Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
If Christianity is true at all, it is a truth of universal application; all things should be done in the Christian spirit and in accordance with Christian principles. “Then” say those who want reform, “produce your Christian solution for unemployment.” But there neither is nor could be such a thing. The Christian faith does not by itself enable its members to see how a vast number of people within an intricate economic system will be affected by a particular economic or political idea.
“In that case”, say those who want to uphold the status quo, “keep off the turf! By your own confession you are out of place here.” Here the Church must reply, “No; I cannot tell you what is the remedy. But I can tell you that a society with chronic unemployment is a diseased society. If you are not doing all that you can to find the remedy, you are guilty before God.”
The church is likely to be attacked from both sides if it does its duty. It will be told that it has become “political” when in fact it has merely stated its principles and pointed out when they have been breached. The Church will be told by advocates of particular policies that it is futile because it does not support theirs. If the Church is faithful to its commission, it will ignore both sets of complaints and continue as far as it can to influence all citizens and permeate all parties.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
Now to the King eternal,
immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—
Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(2) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(3) From The Church’s Impact on Society, William Temple
(4) From 1 Timothy 1:17, NIV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.