I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 niv
The forecast warned of a coming ice storm but it was difficult to seriously consider the probability. We were enjoying moderate temperatures and it was still early in the season. Yet within a few hours, everything outdoors was covered in a quarter inch of ice. And everything in our routines came to a crawling halt when we lost electricity.
Our routines changed …
Initially, it was fairly relaxing. The television was quiet. Thankfully, the dishes and laundry had been done and did not need attention. But so much of our responsibilities and activities required electricity. Computers were inoperable. The temperature in our house quickly lowered. Yet with greater gratitude, our gas fireplace continued to warm us as long as we remained close by.
After about 24 hours, the novelty began to wear off, and I needed a touch of normalcy. So, like many others seeking a mini-adventure despite the winter wonderland, we headed out to find gasoline to keep our small generator fueled. It was also time to fuel our bellies, so a warm hamburger served as a delightful distraction as well.
As we began to navigate the unpredictable terrain, the views were breathtaking. Lawns shimmered with a rumpled sheet of icy overlay. Trees and shrubs were heavy laden with ice. The scene before us looked like a glistening Christmas card greeting for neighbors near and far. By now the temperatures were just above freezing. Streets were slushy as miniature streams flowed along the edges to strategically placed drains. But the heavy accumulation of snow and ice would take some time to melt away. As we ventured out farther, we discovered branches and debris blocking some roadways. The sights were spectacular and ominous at the same time.
Returning home, was history repeating itself?
Before long, we returned home to a still powerless and cold house. Recalling the devastation of the many broken trees we had seen, I began to wonder about the condition of our backyard landscape. Wandering over to a window, I peered through the pane to find them burdened with heavy ice. Since the leaves had not yet fallen, many were bowed low, nearly touching the frozen ground. The crape myrtles that once majestically reached the roof of our home now bent as if to kiss the cold earth beneath them. I wondered at the contrast, recalling the many broken branches and debris that was scattered across the roadways we had just seen.
Soon my thoughts turned to what I had recently read of a warning shared with ancient Israel:
Early in the reign of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: This is what the Lord said to me: “Make a yoke out of straps and crossbars and put it on your neck. Then send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. Give them a message for their masters and say, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and his grandson until the time for his land comes; then many nations and great kings will subjugate him.
“ ‘ “If, however, any nation or kingdom will not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon or bow its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation with the sword, famine and plague, declares the Lord, until I destroy it by his hand. So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish. But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain it its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord.” ’ “ Jeremiah 27:1-11 niv
Much like the icy blasts we were warned would soon burden our lives, God’s people were warned of the coming Babylonian oppression. And like the fair weather we were previously experiencing, times were good. It is likely, no one wanted to spoil the mood or happy moments, so the Word of the Lord was dismissed. Let us not repeat such folly. But notice the thread of hope God offered them:
But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain it its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 27:11 niv
Those who would bow before the king of Babylon would live in their land, till their own ground, and survive. Otherwise, they could anticipate the sword (death), famine (starvation), plague (disease) and banishment (exile) where they would ultimately perish (die). Although they were admonished to bow, this was not an act of worship. Rather, it was submission to the authority God allowed to rule. Let us wisely consider: “Since governments have a rightful authority from God, we are bound to obey them – unless, of course, they order us to do something in contradiction to God’s law. Then, we are commanded to obey God before man.”* “Every command to submit on a human level is conditioned by the higher obligation to obey God before men … it is important for a Christian … to maintain a submissive and respectful attitude towards the one in authority. It is possible to disobey the command of another but do so in a submissive manner.”*
We, too, may find ourselves ruled by ungodly leadership. Will we break like the branches and debris that littered our roads on that unusually icy day? Or will we bow to God’s command and be sustained through the storms?
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 niv
Enjoy more soul stirring and thirst satisfying content, now available on Amazon – simply click the picture to visit my author page – many blessings, tanja
*David Guzik / Enduring Word Commentary
Note: Links are included to BibleGateway for your ease in referencing passages included, although: Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
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