On November 9th, 2008, Dr. David Murray of the Free Reformed Church preached a sermon titled: Render to Obama. The text for his sermon was Jeremiah 29:5:
"Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens and eat fruit of them;"
This sermon was preached just a couple of days after Barack Obama had been elected president. The Prophet Jeremiah was writing these words to the children of Israel who had been taken captive into Babylon around 600 B.C.
The Israelites did not like their new King, Nebuchadnezzar, any more than most Christians like our new King/President, Barack Obama. But that does not mean we do not have to continue to live our lives and be the best citizens we can be.
The Bible tells us very specifically that we are to obey those in authority:
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake," - I Peter 2:13
And also Romans 13: 1-7:
"Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
But the Christian's obligation to obey the state is not without qualification. Our first allegiance is not to Barack Obama, but to our Lord Jesus Christ. And when Barack Obama tells us to disobey our Lord, then we have to stand up to him and say with the Apostle Peter:
"We ought to obey God rather than men." - Acts 5:29
Recommended reading and listening:
Pulpit Freedom Sunday - What's it All About? Part I
Pulpit Freedom Sunday - What's it All About? Part II
Pulpit Freedom Sunday - What's it All About? Part III
