Honor the Emperor

But he demeans me.

Jesus was demeaned by both the Roman and the Jewish leaders. Yet, through the Holy Spirit, he inspired Peter to write the title words.

But he is threatening to do me harm.

Peter, who wrote the title of this post, was crucified, upside down, by the very empire he was admonishing people to honor.

But I might be jailed by him.

Paul, who also encourages Christians to honor the governing authorities, was jailed multiple times by those very authorities, both local and imperial.

Here are some definitions that I found of the word, honor:

1. 1.

   regard with great respect.

   synonyms: esteem, respect, admire, defer to, look up to
2. 2.

   fulfill (an obligation) or keep (an agreement).

   synonyms: fulfill, observe, keep, obey, heed, follow, carry out, discharge, implement, execute, effect; keep to, abide by, adhere to, comply with, conform to, be true to, live up to”he honored the contract”

So it seems that God is admonishing us to respect the President and fulfill any obligations to the President that are not against God’s law.

Now, because of the great blessing of living here in the United States, we do not have to agree with the emperor on all things. We can work tirelessly through meetings, peaceful rallies, letter writing, shopping habits, education and especially prayer to sway him and other lawmakers to our views. But it must be done with respect to be effective.

Also, consider why those who voted for him did so. What pain or frustration were they experiencing that caused them to choose him? What might you be able to do to help them, which, will probably also help you?

Here’s what’s in it for us:

(13)Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, (14)or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. (15)For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. (16)Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. (17)Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

And:

7Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Now, go have a happy inauguration day!