Reflecting on the introductory line by St. Paul, our earthly authorities too are subject to the Sovereignty of God. Rebellion against our God-appointed earthly authority is rebellion against God. Our LORD Jesus Christ knew this godly principle when He set the example during His unfair trial by Pontius Pilate. Even though He knew that the charges brought against Him by the Jewish religious leaders were false with an intention to kill Him, He obediently allowed Himself to be sentenced to death by Crucifixion, knowing that this was part of the Father’s Plan to save broken humanity - by His inglorious Death on the Cross, glorious Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven, in order to nail our sins unto the Cross, and set us free from the wages of sin, which is death.
Similarly, as a follower of Christ, while I am aware of my rights as a son of God, I am also keenly aware that I’m subject to the governing laws in Singapore and will deserve any punishment the law requires if I blatantly choose to live as a law breaker here, and such lawless behaviour does not please God as He is the One Who appoints godly leaders on earth.
So as long as I’m living as a citizen on earth, obeying earthly authority is also obeying God, because truly I was once a law breaker apart from God, but thanks be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, I am set free from the wages of sin, which is death.
I will close with this beautiful Hymn
- How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
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