How is a believer supposed to respond to the government? Peter gives us very straightforward instructions.

1 Peter 2:13-14
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.

Peter’s unwavering belief in the sovereignty of God is seen in this passage as much as in any passage that lays out this doctrine. Peter notes that every authority is established by God for the purpose of law and order. Our submission to these “human institution[s]” demonstrates our obedience to the Lord.

Now the interesting thing about this passage is the historical context. Peter wrote this letter in late AD 64/early AD 65, as intense persecution was raging under the Roman Emperor Nero. When Nero was blamed for the Great Fire of AD 64, he used the Christians as a scapegoat. Some believers were crucified. Others were tied up in animal skins and torn apart by wild dogs. Still, others were dipped in pitch and set aflame. Peter, most likely writing from Rome, was put to death in AD 67. And yet, during persecution, he reminded Christians to submit themselves to “every human institution.”

Peter trusted the sovereignty of God—in good times and bad. He knew that God was the One fully in charge. Solomon said, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1). Rulers, kings, emperors, prime ministers, and presidents all come and go. Nations rise and fall. Economies soar and crash. But this one thing is sure:

The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
                                                                             -Psalm 9:7-10 NIV

Father, thank you for your sovereignty. Thank you for your eternal reign. Thank you for the promise that you “have never forsaken those who seek you.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.