The Obedient Government

God ordains government.  God ordains government to help fulfill God's purpose: to make real the Reign of God. 

Previous blogs have focused on the purpose and character of the NRA, the National Rifle Association. A consistent theme among the leadership of the NRA is a fear of governmental control, the threat of a tyrannical government denying the unrestricted right to bear arms. Consistent with this theme is the rise of Libertarianism, near unbridled individual freedom, and the Tea Party mantra of getting the government off our backs.

Certainly, history is crowded with examples of oppressive governments.  Yet, governments have remained, for better and for worse.  Why?  Because inherent within people is the need.  The Biblical witness conveys this need, and lifts up how God fills this need.  God does not ordain every government, but God does ordain values and character that governments are called to bring to the table of life.  

The crucible of government is the Church, the Synagogue.  Each is a holy government, called to make real the Reign of God among followers who in turn reflect God's reign in their homes, places of work, and the wider world.  Holy values are to be carried into the political sphere, where they are to promote God's will.  What are some foundational holy values?  

GOVERNMENTS ARE TO REFLECT GOD'S WILL

Paul writes: "...there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.  Therefore, whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed." (Romans 13:1-2) Similarly, we read "Therefore, be imitators of God...." (Ephesians 5:1a).  Governments have a calling to do what God purposes them to do because God has given them the authority.  It is authority with a huge caveat: Because you are of God, reflect the character, the will of God.  God does not give governments license to oppress.  Authority is narrowly defined: that your authority imitate Christ.  Or, in the words of Rabbi David Saperstein: "Because God says so!"

GOVERNMENTS ARE TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

TO REFLECT HOLY WILL

Moses was directed by God to gather Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel to receive the Law of God.  (Exodus 24:1-14) These were leaders of the 12 Tribes of Israel.  Jesus had a government of twelve disciples and he also sent out 70 advance preachers and organizers to prepare and gather people for his arrival.  (Luke 10:1-12)  Similarly, Paul organizes the church into a body with many members, many gifts, for the purpose of evangelizing the world. (I Cor 12:12-31)  The People of God are brought together by a Christly government to perform a purpose.

GOVERNMENTS ARE TO CREATE A PATH

The People of God, the Church, the Synagogue, are guided by laws.  Laws create a path.  Paths guide our actions.  God does not leave us alone to figure out life's calling and foundational values. Remember Yahweh giving Moses the Ten Commandments.  Remember the Holiness Code in Leviticus 17-26, which "...centers on behaviors and rituals that promote communal stability in the interrelated spheres of daily life and worship." (Brueggemann) Holy laws also fill the chapters of Deuteronomy.  Significantly, Moses is carved into the frieze above the entrance to the United States Supreme Court Building.  The Greatest Commandment reads: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.... and you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39) Laws are a path. 

GOVERNMENTS ARE TO CREATE ORDER AND DISCIPLINE 

Centrifugal force throws us outward to wherever.  Government is like a centripetal force which draws people together, otherwise we would scatter to oblivion. Order and discipline are its' outgrowths. Paul writes: "Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.  Do you wish to have no fear of the authority?  Then do what is good.  But of you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain. It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer." (Romans 13:3-4) It is important to recognize that these verses are bookended by the admonition to love. (See Chapter 12 and verses 13:9ff) Those in authority are not given a blank check to oppress.  Their purpose is to love.  Similarly, in Titus 3:1 we read: "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone." Obedience to rulers and authorities is linked with gentleness, respect, and courtesy. This means that those who rule and are in authority are also to be held to the same standard. All things are connected.

The Biblical witness provides foundational values and a holy character which can ebb and flow between Church, Synagogue, and State.  The connection is grace-filled as they flavor each other.

More next time.

Peace!

Ron Letnes