"In a Pagan World" August 24 Readings: Song of Songs 5-6, Romans 13, Psalm 101:1–4, Proverbs 21:6–8

 

 

Reading the Bible in 2023

Each day this year we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety. In reading four portions of God's word in a day, one of them is bound to speak to your life!

NOTE: if you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!

Bible Readings: Song of Songs 5-6, Romans 13, Psalm 101:1–4, Proverbs 21:6–8

    Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version 

Daily Devotional: In a Pagan World 

It is easy to believe that there has never been a time when the world was as evil as it is today or when our political leaders were as corrupt and depraved.

Actually, as bad as we think things are they are likely not as bad for us as the conditions the early church lived under. They lived in a truly pagan culture that often overtly and forcefully persecuted them. They were outsiders, weirdos, outcasts - hated by many and tolerated by a few. We have far more influence, even in this depraved American culture, than the early church had in their world.

But to the church in Rome, to the church in the capital of the empire, where Caesar's throne was, where immorality, perversion, and corruption abounded, Paul wrote these words,

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1

Consider the mouthful that Paul spoke in this passage. First, Paul commanded believers to live in obedience to the authorities that were in power. Many Americans resist this when there is someone in the office they don't like. We enjoy the privilege of opposing and seeking to vote out our government, which complicates things. And many have used the ungodly actions of leaders to justify disrespect and disobedience. But our government is no worse than the Roman Empire. We must walk under governmental authority (unless it commands us to disobey God) and be respectful. 

It was important that, while Christians would never give their oath of allegiance to Rome, they always walked in obedience and were productive members of society - hardworking, law-abiding, and peaceable. 

Paul also tells us that ultimately it is God who establishes authority and sets them in power. This does not mean we shouldn't be faithful as citizens, or that we should stay home on election day and just assume God will do his will. Human responsibility is a biblical reality as well as divine sovereignty. But God is in charge and we need to remember that. 

I'm disgusted right now at the American people and the choices they've made. We've picked badly time and again. But God is still in charge and he is working out his will. In the end, whatever happens, we can walk in confidence knowing that God is in control and his power will be displayed. 

Father, help me to remember, even in this election year, to be respectful and obedient and to trust your sovereign control. 

Consider God's Word:

Did one of these passages speak strongly to you today? Which one? 

Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages? 

Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to? 

Do you walk under the authorities of the "powers-that-be" or are you rebellious and difficult?

Think and pray through the balance of being a good citizen but remembering that authority is established by God.