Government of God’s Kingdom and government of earthly nations
Isaiah 9 tells us that the government of the Kingdom of God is on Christ’s shoulders, and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will uphold the Kingdom of God with justice and righteousness forever. We don’t need to worry about corruption, abuse of power, division, self gain, pride, or moral ethics in the government of the Kingdom, because God is pure and holy.
However, governments on earth are subject to sin just like you and I are. Whatever party/ parties made it into NZ government yesterday, you can be sure they’re going to get things wrong. There will be many things that we do not agree with as Christians.
However, Jesus showed us that we are to obey the Law of the land. Tiberius Caesar Augustus ruled the Roman Empire during the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. Jews and Gentiles were all subject to him. He liked to see people suffer and was prone to torture. Despite this, when the Pharisees asked Christ, “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Mt 22:17) Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” He was meaning that there are obligations to the state that do not infringe on our obligation to God. We obey the law of the land.
Paul wrote 1 Timothy during the reign of Tiberius Caesar Augustus, and he urged Timothy to thankfully pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness,” (1 Tim 2:2).
Paul also wrote to the church in Rome, calling them to submit to governing authorities, because the authorities had been established by God. He goes on to say that those who rebel against governing authority rebel against God, and will bring judgment on themselves. Check out Romans 13: 1-7.
So then, whatever government is in power now, we are called to pray for them thankfully, and submit to their authority.
If they call us to do something that is clearly wrong before God, then, and only then do we have the right to object.
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.