Daily Devotional

A Ministry of the Kerwin Baptist Church

April 21, 2018

by Pastor Hawtree

I AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE:

TO ORDAIN POWER

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Let me point out the Greek word for the word “ordained”:

* “Tasso”: to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e. assign or dispose, appoint, determine, ordain, set.

We sometimes become confused about this subject. We think if the powers that be are ordained of God, then why are so many ungodly things done by those in power? Why is the whole power system so messed up if God is in control? Why do I need to subject myself to authority if I feel that the authority is untrustworthy?

First let me cover the topic of “let every soul be subject unto the higher powers”. In context of this verse, it is referring to those in spiritual power. The point in this passage is not focused on the worth of the ruler, the point is on the submission of the believer. The Bible says “submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God”.

* Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

You see, if we cannot learn to submit to authority that we can see, what makes us think we will submit to a God that we cannot see. “For there is no power but of God”. Notice this verse:

* Jeremiah 10: 6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. 7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

God has ordained the principle of authority, and it is our job to submit to that authority by submitting to God. We might not desire to submit to a certain general, boss, employer, or government official, but because God ordained authority, we submit to God Himself by submitting to those in authority over us. However, God did tell us:

* Ephesians 5: 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

So, we are told to be subject to the higher powers, and then we are told that the church is subject to Christ. It seems confusing.

Let me explain. If you remember, God ordained marriage also. Just like God set up authority and ordained it, God set up marriage and ordained it. Now let me ask you, how is marriage doing in America? Not so good. You see God ordained it, appointed it, and set it up, but mankind has blown it. Just because God ordained authority does not mean God is pleased with every person in authority. God ordained the position. It was God’s right to ordain authority. It is our responsibility to submit to authority. The rest God will take care of. Because God ordained authority, He has power over it. When we submit to authority, we are submitting to God. God will take care of it from there.