God’s plan for violent rioters

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I haven’t spoken with anyone lately (regardless of age) who hasn’t agreed with this:

“We are living in CRAZY times that I never thought possible here in America.”

I’ll bet you are nodding your head right now, aren’t you?

We are seeing every day on the media that no one who oversees the big cities seems to have any answers that work. Personally, I have always believed that God’s Word has an answer for all of the big problems that we encounter. I believe the same is true with these violent riots and personal assaults. The answer is in Romans 13:1-5.

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. 2Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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. 4For 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. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

God’s prescription for order and peace and tranquility in America is:

13:1-2- obey the laws of the land because God backs up the laws and the lawmaker.

13:3-4- do what is right and you need not be afraid; those who do wrong should be TERRIFIED and AFRAID, knowing they may ultimately have to face the SWORD. 

13:5- do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, not just to avoid punishment.

As simple as taking a medication, huh. Yes, for those who fear the LORD and respect God’s Word it is that simple. However, there is a snag in America. Even if the obedient do the right thing because they love the LORD with all their heart, mind, soul and body, in America there are no laws or punishments that cause evil doers to be TERRIFIED or AFRAID of the SWORD (prompt execution).

Compared with the punishments in Paul’s day, today’s punishments for wrong doers are a walk in the park for most. In fact, in our recent violent riots, most were not arrested, and even if they were, they were released without bond. It is such a joke, that most violators were back on the streets rioting again the very next day.

But America has become too “civilized”. Punishments that would produce TERROR in evil doers are now considered “barbaric” by most Americans. The bottom line? Insufficient punishment instills NO FEAR or TERROR and only stirs up: 1-bitterness toward laws and punishments, 2- hatred for law enforcement and 3- a boatload of anger.

The remedy? Put Rom 13:1-5 into practice in our nation. However, that will only be possible when America begins to “fear the LORD” and revere His Word. But how is that ever going to happen when most Americans only believe in a God of their own making, one who they have “personalized” to fit their private agenda; NOT THE GOD OF THE BIBLE.

Outlook? Dim and gloomy, until Jehovah God Almighty stirs up a SPIRIT OF REVIVAL in America. PRAY FOR AMERICA, PRAY HARD!

Mike Sublett is a pastor at Hi-Land Christian Church, 1615 N. Banks St., Pampa, Texas 79065. Email him at pawdad@nts-online.net.