October 22, 2026
Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of duties: of civil government
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Deuteronomy 22:1-24:9; Matthew 16:1-12
“…there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
What’s the image you get in your mind when you think of “power”? Government? Waterfalls? Electric mixers? What about “authority”? A judge’s gavel? Police officers? Parents?
Making a careful distinction between “power” and “authority” is becoming more and more important as we consider how the church is supposed to interact with the state, that is, the government. Here’s a simple way to tell them apart: “power” has to do with the ability to do something, while “authority” has to do with the right to do something. An easy illustration of this is found in confession and Absolution. Your pastor is a poor, miserable sinner just like you—he doesn’t have the power to forgive sins! But he has been given the authority to forgive sins on Jesus’ behalf: “by virtue of my office…in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ…”
When it comes to God’s Gift of government, it is important to keep in mind the distinction between power and authority. Remember that all earthly governance derives its authority from God Himself. And because we recognize that governing authority comes from God, we as Christians are called upon to be good citizens of our earthly nations.
It’s worth being aware of where our government’s authority ends and where the power plays of sinful men begin. It's good to keep in mind that, while our government may have the power to make laws and carry out orders which contradict the Scriptures, no earthly governance has the authority to redefine God or His Word, nor indeed to tell you, dear Christian, what you must or must not believe. It’s worth knowing the contents of our Constitution and its amendments. But above all else, it’s worth remembering and rejoicing that on the Last Day it won’t be any earthly magistrate holding the gavel. It will be Jesus, the One to whom all power and authority in heaven and on earth belong, judging us and all the faithful to be righteous for the sake of His own blood.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
O merciful Father in heaven, from You comes all rule and authority over the nations of the world for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well. Graciously regard Your servants, those who make, administer, and judge the laws of this nation, and look in mercy upon all the rulers of the earth. Grant that all who receive the sword as Your servants may bear it according to Your command. Enlighten and defend them, and grant them wisdom and understanding that under their peaceable governance, Your people may be guarded and directed in righteousness, quietness, and unity. Protect and prolong their lives that we with them may show forth the praise of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Buffalo, WY.
Where are you looking for meaning? In Lift Your Eyes: How to Live Outside Yourself author Joshua Pfeiffer charts a compelling path outward: upward to God in faith and gratitude, outward to our neighbors in love and service, and forward in joyful anticipation of resurrection.
