Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…
whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Pet. 2:13–17
Lord Jesus, reading this charge from Peter underscores the good news that the gospel can change anybody anytime. The disciple who tried to protect you from being arrested by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10–11); and then fled into the night and denied you three times—this same disciple now calls us to fear only God, and to live and love to his glory, wherever we are. What a transformation.
Though your kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), your kingdom has arrived through your resurrection, and one Day will utterly transform this world into the new heavens and new earth. Because this is true, Jesus, we need you to free us from both extremes of naïve passivity and fear-mongering aggression. Help us see you hand and heart everywhere, as we live out our callings.
Very practically, show us what “obeying God and not men” looks like when the claims of your kingdom clash with the values of this world. How do we submit to the authorities for your sake, while primarily bowing our knees and surrendering our hearts to you as our King? Free us from all cynicism. Enable us to offer a redemptive presence and living hope.
Jesus, if we suffer, may we only suffer for doing good; not for being fearful, obnoxious, or paranoid. May we be busy with your kingdom and not mere busybodies, offering cultural commentary and little goodness. (2 Thess. 3:11). Keep changing us the way you changed Peter. So very Amen we pray, in your most glorious and loving name.
