By Rev. Michael Mwangi
Senior Pastor, Fedha Church KAG
Romans 13:1 - 7
1. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Now that elections are done and we have new leaders and new leadership, we need to move forward as Believers and accept the will of God. It is important for us to understand the following.
God is sovereign
It is important to note that God exercises power and authority over everything in heaven and earth because he created everything.
This world belongs to God
Psalm 24
1. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
God rules the world
Isaiah 40
21. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22. He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
God rules the kingdoms and politics of this world
Daniel 4
17. “ ‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’
God rules the world both physically and spiritually
Physically. The government or sword
Spiritually. The church or the church
Using such events and seasons of elections, God brings the changes he desires and gives us the leaders we deserve.
He brings new leadership and brings down the other just as it has happened.
Sometimes the outcome of an election is surprising and contrary to our expectations. God is sovereign over all at all times.
Daniel 2
21. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Despite elections, God exercises his sovereign power through our systems like elections. to achieve his will.
Proverbs 16
33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
So the leaders we have right now are God-given whether we like them or not. Irrespective of how they came in if God has allowed them no one can remove them.
Therefore as Christians and citizens, we have an obligation to honour them. We need therefore to acknowledge the following as we move forward.
1. Leadership is from God
No leader comes to power except God allows it.
We all voted for Leaders of our choice. Elections are over and we have those who lost and those who won.
We may have our own arguments but no one can come to power unless God allows it. God holds all power and authority and he gives it to whoever he wills for his own glory and purpose.
2. Submit to the leadership
We are subject to the existing authority.
We need to recognize and honour the existing leadership.
We need to support the leadership.
Pay taxes in the same way you pay tithes.
Be a responsible citizen promoting peace
Failure to obey that authority is disobeying God and we should expect retribution.
3. Leaders are God’s servants
They rule on God’s behalf.
Ministers of the government are God's servants.
God uses government to establish law and order and to punish evil
Our duty and responsibility
4. Pray for the government.
1 Timothy 2
1. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2. for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
4. Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
May the new leadership be God-fearing and do justice to all Kenyans irrespective of how people voted.
Seek peace and prosperity of our nation
Jeremiah 29
7. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
We pray for the healing of our nation, unity, ethnicity, healing of losers.
Comments
Post a Comment