There’s an old Bob Dylan song, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” As with many Dylan songs, there’s truth to be found.

As people of faith, we are called to be subject to a heavenly authority and an earthly authority. Romans 13 begins, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

While obeying our Heavenly Father is our ultimate obligation, obeying governing authorities was God’s idea. In the Old Testament, we understand how God put Kings into their position. We may not understand or always agree with those in positions of authority, but those leaders will answer to God for their decisions. But God is always our higher authority.

The following scriptures are just a few that speak to the issue of being subject to those in authority:

1 Peter 2:13-17

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.  Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

John 19:11

Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

Titus 3:1

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,  to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

Isiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.Of the increase of His government

and peace There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

I love the words in 1 Peter 2. Fear God. Honor the King. But it is increasingly likely that those of us who are Christ followers will be required to choose who will be our ultimate authority. You “gotta serve somebody.” For me personally, I choose to fear God, honor the king and ultimately obey God. 

God bless.