Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:28-31.
“28 “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
29 “You shall not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me. 30 You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.
31 “You shall be holy men to Me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh torn to pieces in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.” Exodus 22:28-31.
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“But, what about our ruler!”: some may interject. “He deserves to be cussed out!!”
Today’s Scripture directly and strongly answers: “No. You shall not curse a ruler of your people.”
Specifically, “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.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
“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.
Generally, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28.
In summary, instead of cursing, we give prayers, subjection, and honor to our rulers.
The foregoing Scripture also gives us reasons to do so: “that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2. “For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God”; “rulers are servants of God”. Romans 13:1 and 6. A ruler is “a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4.
In summary, justice is delivered to us by our rulers.
Therefore, “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 13:7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 