Divine Authority Over Us

We are all under authority from various people and institutions. We are under obligation to listen to them and to do what they say. That is what authority means. It means a person or institution that has been given the responsibility to be in charge in some way. It also usually means that they have the power to enforce what they say, so that if we disobey them, we have to face the consequences. As Christians, the Lord is our Ultimate Authority for all things.

Isaiah made a great point for the people of God and for us. (Isaiah 33:22) "For the Lord is our Judge, our Lawgiver, and our King. He will care for us and save us." God is a very loving, benevolent dictator. What He says in His Word and what He tells us is to be obeyed no matter what. However, most believers don't even think of the breadth of His authority as we should. Let's think about it for a few minutes.

God is our King. He rules over us in all areas, no exceptions. This is not bad. It is actually very good for us, because He knows what is best for us, and He wants us to live the abundant life in Christ. He is our Lawgiver, too. That is why He inspired the Bible for us. It is His law, His directions for us to follow, so we can have a great life and a good relationship with Him. Therefore, we are to keep His Word. He is also our Judge. When we fail to obey Him and to follow His Word, we knows just the right sentence to give us. He does this to show us where we have gone wrong, so we will return to Him.

I believe this is one of the Bible verses that led the founder of our country to set up our government in 3 branches. The Executive Branch is led by our leader, the president. He is the Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces, and He is to ensure the common defense, as well as defending the Constitution. The Legislative Branch is the Congress. They make the laws for us to follow. Then, the Judicial Branch is all of the courts to help enforce the laws. When they all work together, it goes well for all of us. I believe it is a good design because it mirrors how God carries out His authority.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 35-37.