October 29, 2026
Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of duties: of citizens
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30
“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.” (Romans 13:1)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Nobody likes being told what to do. We don’t like speed limits, curfews, or dress codes. We especially don’t like it when the people making the rules seem corrupt, incompetent, or just plain wrong. So when St. Paul tells us to be subject to governing authorities, our first instinct is to push back.
But notice what Paul says: governing authorities exist because God instituted them. That doesn’t mean every law is good or every ruler is righteous. It means God has established government itself as a gift to restrain evil and maintain order in a fallen world. Without government, we’d have chaos - everyone doing what is right in their own eyes, the strong oppressing the weak, no justice, no protection, no peace.
This is part of what it means to live in the world as a Christian. You have two citizenships. You’re a citizen of heaven, baptized into Christ, and your ultimate allegiance belongs to Him. But you’re also a citizen of whatever earthly country you live in, and God calls you to honor that citizenship, too. Pay your taxes. Obey the law. Respect those in authority. Pray for your leaders, even the ones you didn’t (or wouldn’t) vote for.
But what if the government commands something that contradicts God’s Word? Then you obey God rather than men, as the apostles did when authorities told them to stop preaching about Jesus. There are times when civil disobedience is necessary. But those times are the exception, not the rule. Most of the time, being a good Christian means being a good citizen - not because the government is perfect, but because God has placed you under its authority for your good and the good of your neighbor.
Here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t come to overthrow earthly governments. He came to save sinners. His kingdom is not of this world. That means you don’t put your hope in elections, politicians, or policies. Earthly governments can’t save you. Only Jesus can.
So yes, be a good citizen. Vote, pay taxes, obey the law, serve your community. But remember where your true citizenship lies: You belong to Christ. He’s the King who reigns forever, the Lord who will never fail you. Earthly governments come and go, but his kingdom has no end.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Almighty God, You have established governing authorities for the good of Your creation. Grant us wisdom to honor those in authority, courage to obey You above all, and faith to trust that our true citizenship is in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Brown, pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish, SD.
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.
