"Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal; Earthborn they are and soon decay. Vain are their counsels at life's last portal, When the dark grave engulfs its prey. Since mortals can no help afford, Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!"
According to recent surveys, public trust in certain institutions is declining, including trust in religion, science, and the news media. A growing number of people are frustrated with government and believe that elected officials do not care about the opinions of those who elected them. Although these survey results indicate a lack of trust in elected leaders, news reports and social media debates argue otherwise. Many people still trust elected officials, giving them very vocal support and looking to them to solve problems in society. God has given authority to secular leaders to encourage what is good and to restrain evil. As Christians, we are to be subject to them, no matter what our various political views might be, giving revenue, honor, and respect to those to whom those things are owed (see Romans 13:1-7).
We obey our leaders so long as that obedience does not lead us to sin against the Law of God, but Scripture warns us, "Put not your trust in princes" (Psalm 146:3a). Our hymn reminds us that rulers are mortal, earthborn as we are. They may help our earthly communities, but when we face "life's last portal," no earthly ruler can save us. Ultimate trust belongs to our Lord. Only Jesus can help us as we face "the dark grave" because He endured death and the grave for the sake of our salvation. Even an earthly prince might die in battle to save his people, but his death marks the end of his reign. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus did what no earthly ruler could ever do. He conquered death and the grave and reigns now as King of kings. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
By God's grace we have been brought into the kingdom of His Son. We are citizens of heaven, but at the same time we are also citizens of an earthly nation. We are to be subject to the governing authorities and show them the honor and respect that is due to them. Whoever our earthly leaders might be, and whatever opinions we might have concerning their decisions and laws, Christ our King wants us to pray for our rulers so that "we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:2b). We also pray that our discussions and debates about earthly rulers will also be godly, peaceful, and dignified because our ultimate trust—in life and death—will always be in our Savior Jesus Christ, who is King of kings and Lord of lords.
WE PRAY: Lord and King, grant wisdom to our earthly rulers so that we might live in peace Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, "Praise the Almighty," which is number 797 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Reflection Questions:
1. Has your confidence in our nation's leaders grown or waned? Why?
2. What do you find most challenging in Romans 13:1-7?
3. How does God help us to "lead a peaceful and quiet life" in anxious, troubling times? What does Jesus say in John 14 that can help calm us and bring peace to our lives?
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 3-4 2 Corinthians 12
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