David, the king of Israel, penned these words under the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit. “He that ruleth over men must be just ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3). Those who hold positions of authority do so at the prerogative and purpose of God. They serve at his prerogative because God is ultimately responsible for their appointment. No man (or woman) comes to any office at their own doing. The prophet Daniel records, “he [God] changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21). He later adds, “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17).
Those in authority serve according to the purpose of God. The Scriptures teach “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). God has given mankind government to restrain evil and accommodate that which is good. Paul explains this further. “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 [rulers] 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” (Romans 13:2-4; emphasis added).
On two separate occasions, Paul speaks of those governing as the “minister of God.” David grasped this truth and understood his role before the God in Whom all authority rests. This compelled him to affirm that those who rule must do so in the fear of God. God always holds men accountable for what he gives them. For example, he gives believers gifts to use in the church and he will hold each accountable for his or her use of such gifts. He gives authority to men to rule, and he will judge them for how they ruled.
Asaph, another of the Psalmists, wrote concerning this judgment. “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods [rulers]. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?” (Psalm 82:1-2). God is present in every council of those gathered to legislate and to lead. He is a silent witness to the actions of men; He hears every word; and, He understands exhaustively the motives of the heart. God does not take lightly the stewardship of ruling. He expects the authority he has given to men to be exercised righteously and this expectation extends to all “who bear the sword.”
Those who rule enjoy much privilege. But God reminds them that in spite of privilege they, too, “shall die like men” (Psalm 82:7). In our society today it is very evident that many who rule have lost sight of their calling to rule in the fear of God. Be assured, the most High has not lost sight of them. “Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit the nations” (Psalm 82:8).
From the Chaplain 