“I appeal to Caesar.” Acts 25:11
Paul’s appeal to Caesar is a powerful statement regarding his belief in a Sovereign God and his trust in government as God’s earthly instrument to administer justice. Paul believed government was an instrument devised by God to serve His purpose.
“For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:1
Paul, by right of birth, was due certain civil liberties as a free Roman citizen. Paul had no death wish. If he was ready to gain his Heavenly reward and leave his earthly prison, all he had to do was surrender his civil rights to the Roman authorities, or surrender himself to his Jewish accusers. He chose life. He didn’t give up his rights. He claimed them.
There will always be a holy tension between a Christian’s weariness with political battles, and the longing for his Heavenly home. Paul’s appeal gives a clear example of a devout Christian who called on the civil government to protect his personal liberties. Though death was in his future, and this world was not his home, he would not go down without a fight. Paul turned his waiting room into a war room.
Pastors and people in the pews should do no less in the 21st Century. Paul’s appeal was to Caesar. In a representative form of government, the American Christian appeals to “We the People.” The Appeal is not a call to arms take a nation back to Reagan. It is a call to prayer to turn a people back to God. Religious liberty was not just a good idea. It was God’s idea.
Dr. Watlke’s words of wisdom call pastors and people back to God’s word for His direction, protection and correction. God intends for His people to welcome His wisdom back to their house, and to take it with him to the church house. From there it overflows into every place of authority from the state house to the White House. Pray for wisdom. Register to vote. Take your stand. Vote with wisdom. Heal the land.
“If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves and pray…I will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14