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 13:1-2
Happy Columbus Day! And Happy Birthday to my mother-in-law, Nelda Ragan, and to Debbie Bethel! And perhaps Happy Birthday to Benjamin Davis (since Bryan and Callie are expecting his birth today!).
Romans 13 reminds us that all authority comes from God. He grants authority to kings, presidents, congressmen, mayors, aldermen, and county supervisors. God also is in control of the political process. In the case of America, God has instituted authority through a representative democracy. As you know, this means that we elect our representatives to legislate for us.
Unlike the Episcopalian model (“episcopus” in Greek means “bishop”), Presbyterianism is not primarily hierarchical. Unlike Congregationalism, Presbyterianism is not a pure democracy (rule by simple majority). Instead, Presbyterian churches operate as a republic – a representative democracy in which elected officials represent the people. We elect elders (including pastors) to make operational decisions as a local governing board. Elders are commissioned to represent at regional (“Presbytery”) and national levels. America’s system of government was designed to follow the governmental structure of Presbyterianism – with state and federal representatives.
Presbyterians were significant leaders in the founding of our nation. Their principles and values influenced society, economics, politics, and education. During the Revolutionary War, “All of the colonels of the Colonial Army but one were Presbyterian Elders. More than one half of all the soldiers and officers of the American Army during the Revolution were Presbyterians.” At the time, England’s king referred to the war in his colonies as “the Presbyterian Rebellion.”
Scripture teaches us that a) God elects His people (Ephesians 1:4-5), b) He institutes authorities (Romans 13:1-4), and c) we are to be good citizens (1 Peter 2:13-17). Therefore, God’s people should cherish representative democracy. “Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads” (Deuteronomy 1:13). As such, let me encourage you to participate in the political process by voting in the upcoming elections. As a pastor, I do not endorse specific political candidates. That said, let me also encourage you to prayerfully discern and vote your conscience. Make your God-given voice heard.
I doubt that Christopher Columbus had a clue what his global explorations would eventually precipitate. He sailed the ocean blue twenty-five years before Martin Luther kicked-off the Protestant Reformation. It would be another hundred years or so before America would be colonized by Protestants seeking religious freedom. It would be another hundred years before thousands came to this land through all sorts of political, social, and economic endeavors.
My Scottish ancestors were deported to America by their English foes. My English ancestors came here to escape religious persecution by other Englishmen. My Bohemian ancestors joined the fray willingly – but to escape difficult circumstances in Europe. Some 12.5 million people were shipped here as slaves from Africa. Columbus could not have foreseen all of this.
Now that we are here, our calling is to glorify God in our current paradigm. Our government – by the people and for the people, all the while established by God – enables us to vote our conscience. Recognize your God-given right and responsibility to elect leaders. Pray that you and I everyone else take an opportunity to listen and be heard. This Columbus Day, rejoice in God’s amazing – and sometimes bewildering – providence for our nation. Rejoice and do good!
“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval” – Romans 13:3
