Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 13:17-18.

 

“¹⁷ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

 

¹⁸ Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.  ¹⁹ And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.”  Hebrews 13:17-18.

 

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There are government leaders like judges, city and county commissioners, mayors, state legislators, state governor, the Congress, and the President.

There are church leaders like ministers, elders, and deacons.

There are family leaders like father and mother.

There are employment leaders like owners, bosses, managers, and supervisors.   

And, there are other leaders.  

All our leaders are due our respect, obedience, and submission.  

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;  and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing;  for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Render to all what is due them:  tax to whom tax is due;  custom to whom custom;  fear to whom fear;  honor to whom honor.”  Romans 13:1-7.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-3.

“Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;  in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.  Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.”  Titus 2:6-10. 

“In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.”  Acts 24:16.

In summary, Question and Answer 104 of the Heidelberg Catechism summarizes it well.  

Question 104.  What doth God require in the fifth commandment?

Answer.  That I show all honor, love and fidelity, to my father and mother, and all in authority over me, and  submit myself to their good instruction and correction, with due obedience;  and also patiently bear with their weaknesses and infirmities, since it pleases God to govern us by their hand.