The 3rd Perspective 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. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For 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. 4 For 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. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Here in the United States we have just come to the close of a very big racial event involving the death of teenager Michael Brown. For those who don’t live in the states, I’ll give you a little background on the story: Michael Brown was a black teenager who was shot and killed, unarmed, with his hands in the sky. Now when you first hear this you automatically think injustice, it was wrong and the cop that killed him needs to pay for it. As the story continues we get more information that prior to Michael Brown being killed, he robbed a store and intimidated the store clerk before leaving. Now anyone grown and with common sense knows that this isn’t his first time doing this and there’s no telling how many times he actually did this among other things. To give a little more details, he also physically assaulted a cop before his untimely death. 1st Perspective: With this being said, there are 3 perspectives or 3 ways of looking at any situation of abuse, neglect, confrontation, injustice or anything you and I don’t like. We typically don’t consider this in anything that benefits us because we gladly accept it. The 1st perspective is that of the family whose son was killed, they feel they need justice for their unarmed son being killed. From this point of view, if we put ourselves in their shoes we’d all feel the same way. There could have been less lethal means to handle the situation whether it was being tasered, pepper sprayed or simply being beat into submission. Due to the cops authority alone, none of this should have to be done at all. 2nd Perspective: The cop who shot Michael Brown probably felt disrespected as an officer of the law and his emotions were running high. There are many times in which we all jump the gun and say things we don’t mean, do things that we later regret and they happen out of emotion. We have no idea what this cop has to live with for the rest of his life for killing this kid. Beyond popular belief and what you may see on television, it’s very hard to pull your gun and kill someone. Don’t think there aren’t any consequences to such actions. 3rd Perspective: This perspective is what matters the most and yet is the most commonly overlooked perspective in everyone’s life: God’s Perspective. I’ve seen people go through so many troubles and trials in their lives and they have no idea why it’s happening to them, yet it’s clear as day to me. God’s way of looking at something, understands and overrules both perspectives all at the same time regardless of what both feel and think. His word will not return void and He means what He says despite how many people try to interpret it. Whenever there is disrespect to authority and it is continuous, death is sure to come. In the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 21) children were stoned to death if they didn’t obey their parents. I know we don’t abide by such laws today, but you cannot expect to live long disrespecting authority. Do you really think God sheds a tear for Michael Brown or does He mean what He says? You reap what you sow, no matter how heartless it sounds. You cannot continue in sin and disrespect the authority over you whether it’s your husband, boss, sergeant, parent, grandparent, superior officer and not expect all hell to break loose and for God to take your life. That lovy-duby, feel good all the time, never any problems, always blessing you God does not exist, stop believing the hype. Many people walk around in such ignorance and disrespect to God that they give excuses for their sin based on how they feel. God’s word is not based on perquisites to his commands. He doesn’t give an option to opt out of His obedience just because you weren’t treated right, or someone spoke to you rudely, or fired you unjustly, or blamed you for something you didn’t do. True obedience was shown through Jesus Christ who took on torture and death for something He did not do, and God only ask of you to endure hardship while maintaining godly character. He never asked you or I to die on a cross, so has He really asked too much of you? Never forget the 3rd perspective, for it is always there and it see’s and governs what you do not see, even if you don’t understand it.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:11:48 +0000
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