1 Peter 2:13-17

For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. - 1 Peter 2:13-14

This passage from 1 Peter reminds me of another in Romans 13, which reads, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement” (Romans 13:1-2).

When we look at what is happening in Sudan it’s difficult to accept what is written in these passages about governing authorities and human institutions. Or what if we were to consider the havoc that has been wreaked upon Ukraine by a power hungry Putin and a country run by greed-driven oligarchs. And how about those on either side of the political spectrum in the United States who are convinced that the other side is driving the country to ruin.

In Matthew 22, there are Pharisees and Herodians who want to trap Jesus by asking him if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar of not. Jesus is aware of their malice and tells them to bring him a coin. He asks them whose image is on the coin. They tell him that it is Caesar’s. Jesus responds to them by saying that they are to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.

Martin Luther tells us that as Christians we have our feet in both kingdoms - the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. There is no denying this duel citizenship. We are participants in both kingdoms, and as such, we are to render to each what is due. Since God is the ruler of all in Christ, we could easily dismiss or even rebel against whatever governing authority there is. Earthly kingdoms come and go but God’s kingdom lasts forever and is one that exists from within.

We don’t have to like one or the other political party or abide by injustices that are committed and idly stand by. But as citizens of both kingdoms, we are obligated to live within the confines of the earthly kingdom, while ever striving for justice, working for that which is right, good, and true. In the imperfect kingdoms of this world, we are to continually strive for God’s kingdom and his righteousness. This is accomplished not by hatred and violence but by seeds that are planted, one person at a time, and then to watch God’s kingdom grow.

Let us pray: O God, may we be so bold as to plant the seeds of your kingdom in others in what we say and do; through Jesus Christ. Amen.