God and Obama: Let's begin

Recently I have been reading blogs of a few acquaintances and their posts concerning some of the newer legislation that is being signed into law by President Obama. Their thoughts range across the board from complete euphoria to unmitigated gaul. It has been intriguing to think through some of their ideas but it occurred to me that as I do my thinking I need to keep in front of me what Truth has been revealed about government in God's Word for a follower of Christ.

We start where we should always start...with God. Everything that exists flows from that starting point. Any other starting point begins from an idolatrous point and that is not wise. Our first post, therefore, will reflect upon what has been revealed in God's Word as to the character and nature of God that is reflected in government.

An excellent place to start is God's providence. Providence is a big word that basically, when it is applied to God's character, means that, He being the creator of all things, maintains that which He has created and ensures, by His direct activity, that they function as He has created them to function while always functioning in such a way to accomplish His purposes. [reread as often as necessary]

Government is one of those things that demonstrate God's providence. Romans 13.1 and following states, "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." Not only does this verse clearly tell us from whence comes a governments authority but it also tells us that the government that exists is established (i.e. maintained) by God. Regardless of one's euphoria or gaul the clear fact of truth is that the current administration is acting perfectly within the providence of God.

For clarity sake this does not mean that what they are doing is morally right nor good for those whom they govern. That is entirely another post. [see below] As you mull this over there is another pertinent idea from God's Word that we can rightly apply here and it comes from 1 Timothy 2.1-4, "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, in order 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." As a follower of Christ we are commanded to pray for those whom God has placed over us in positions of authority.

Next Post in Series: God and Obama: Why???