Who gives leaders authority? (90-1)

Romans 13:1 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Leaders may need to earn their influence but the authority of a godly leader comes from God. Read 2 Samuel 1.

When David hears that King Saul and his son Jonathan have died in battle, he mourns deeply for his friend Jonathan. But David also weeps for Saul the man who:

• Tried to murder him in the palace
• Tried to get the Philistines to kill him in battle
• Forced him and his immediate and extended family to leave their home
• Chased him through the remote parts of Israel with the intent of killing him
• Ruined David’s reputation with the people of Israel till only scoundrels and outcasts would follow David as their commander
• Forced him to live in caves and off the land

In David’s mind, submission to authority had little to do with the person in charge. In fact, when a young Amalekite tells David that he put Saul out of his misery (at the king’s request), David ordered this young man executed saying, “Your blood be on your own head. Your mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’” Godly leaders submit to the authority that God installs.

Are you able to submit to the authorities God has placed in your life? Do you pray regularly for the authorities God has placed in your life?