We are always to submit to Jesus. Jesus tells us His will in His word, the Bible. Both Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter told us to submit to the government:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” Romans 13:1-5
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:13-17
All authority was created through and for Him:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
The Bible tells us over and over we are to be peacemakers:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18
In most instances, obeying the law would be keeping peace.
But sometimes keeping the law of the government is against God. Acts 4 tells of such an incidence:
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20
Peter and John had to teach about Jesus, as do we.
Those who know Jesus understand justice:
“The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” (Isaiah 40:13) But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:15-16
The only way we can get true justice is from the Lord:
“Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.” Proverbs 29:26
“Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” Proverbs 28:5
Jesus implied it was right to pay taxes, even though everything really belongs to God:
“Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:15-21 (read Mark 12:13-17 Luke 20:20-25).
We are keeping peace and earning the respect of outsiders:
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
At times, we do not need to obey the law, but we are wise to do so. Jesus did not have to pay taxes, but He did so as to not “cause offense”. Some battles are not worth fighting:
“After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“Yes, he does,” he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”
26 “From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Matthew 27:24-27
Our son-in-law asked a lawyer, ‘Is it lawful for the government to make all these restrictions concerning the coronavirus”.
The lawyer said, “no”.
Our son-in-law asked, “What can we do?”
The lawyer said, “Nothing, there are too many liberal judges. Canada is like Germany was is 1939.” Nineteen-thirty-nine was when Hitler was controlling the country. He was beginning to make evil laws against God and all humanity.
Right now, we are not allowed to sing in church. God commands us to worship Him. Someday we will have to stand up for what we believe and suffer the consequences. Some battles are not worth fighting. The problem is that there is disagreement as to what point we say, “Enough is enough.” We need to pray for Christians who are already suffering the consequences of injustice.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:14
Our responsibility is to learn the truth, pray that the truth would be known and spread the truth, not just the truth about the gospel, but about political situations – the devil is busy spreading lies. We need to pray for and support those are fighting for what is right and just.
We need to live righteously: “…with the breastplate of righteousness in place,” Ephesians 6:14
take every opportunity to spread the gospel in word and deed with love:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
to rely on Jesus and have faith in what He says:
“…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16
to apply the advantages of being saved:
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:20-23
Ask and search for wisdom and take every thought captive to receive the mind of Christ:
“for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16
Memorize, study and speak the Word:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
and to pray “without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
We should always pray for everyone, especially for the family of God:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18
Our prayers are powerful:
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
If we pray and repent our nation will be saved:
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Corinthians 7:14
We should be praying for our government leaders for the good of all:
“ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
We should pray for and support our leaders. We should obey them when their laws do not go against God. We should ask for wisdom and discernment for them. We should pray for wisdom when we have the opportunity to choose our leaders.