Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Pet. 2:13-17
King Jesus, what but the gospel can explain the change in Peter’s life, from being a reactionary antagonist to an engaged citizen? The same disciple who nervously tried to protect you by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10-11), who then fearfully fled into the night and denied you three times—this same disciple calls us to fear only God and to live as model citizens in our broken world filled with broken kings, governors, and authorities. Only the truth and power of the gospel can explain his movement from fear and frenzy to faith and freedom.
Lord Jesus—you who reattached Malchus’s ear(Luke 22:51) and who could’ve dispatched “more than twelve legions of angels” to humble the political forces of the day (Matt. 26:53), give us the freedom and courage we need to be politically sane and honorable citizens. We want to “silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Pet. 2:15) rather than give our neighbors reasons not to take the gospel seriously. In this election year, forgive us when we are far more anxious about the vied-for seat in the White House than cognizant of the occupied throne of heaven.
Though your kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), your kingdom has broken into this world and one day will utterly transform this world. Because this is true, Jesus, free us from both extremes of naïve passivity and fear-mongering aggression. We want to be salt and light, not mold and fog. Very practically, show us what “obeying God and not men” looks like, especially when the claims of your kingdom clash with the values of this world.
How do we submit to the authorities for your sake while primarily only bowing our knees and hearts to you, as our King? Please, Lord Jesus, may we only suffer for doing good—not for being fearful, obnoxious, or paranoid. May we be busy with your kingdom and not simply be busybodies (2 Thess. 3:11). Keep changing us the way you changed Peter, until the Day you return to finish making all things new. How we long for the fullness and righteousness of your kingdom. So very Amen we pray, in your most glorious and sovereign name.
