13Jun16

Romans 13:3-4 ESV
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

This morning in Korea I woke up to the horrible tragedy that occurred in Florida. I would call you all to pray for the families and friends of all who are impacted by the twisted actions of a single man. Pray that God would bring them peace and judgement would find those who would do harm.

In the wake of this political rhetoric will fly back and forth. Lobbyists will try and utilize this to make their point about whether their stance is right or wrong and how the other side is misguided. What I want to draw you to is our role as Soldiers and agents of the ruling authorities in the wake of something like this. The Bible makes it clear that God places authorities in their positions (I think we forget this in America and think WE do) and that the role of the government is to uphold the good and swiftly punish the wrongdoer. We, as Soldiers, are the "sword." We are the outstretched arm of the avenger against those who would bring harm to those that we protect. To those who would cross us... be afraid. To those who do wrong... be afraid. To those worthy of wrath... be afraid. We are the sword and we are not afraid.