Brace yourself for this one from the Book of Romans.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)

Ouch!

Paul was living in a time when Roman rule was in force and he was writing to a group of believers who were in the epicentre of that. They imposed taxes on people and were famous for they heavy handed rule. Their emperor even considered himself to be divine. Even in the midst of this oppression and clear disregard for God Paul still calls the people to be subject to the ruling authorities.

Did God really establish the Roman rule?

Really? It seems like that is what Paul is telling us. If that is so then to dishonour the leaders was to dishonour God. Now, if Paul is telling those believers to be subject to Roman rule then I think it stands to reason that we should do the same. That is something that will be painful for many who have struggled through COVID and all the anti government feeling that we have seen.

Does being a follower of Jesus means that we are called to subject ourselves to our rulers even if we disagree with them? Even if we feel what they decide is against what we thing is right? Even if it affects our faith?