No Authority except from God?

[TomS333]

If I were to challenge the authority of a ruler, and successfully take their place, would my authority be from God?

And were there not a lot of rulers who achieved power illegally and illegitimately? Does this imply that God wants insane dictators across the world?

 

[Cruciferi]

John 19:11

‘Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."’

Isaiah 45

“This is what the Lord says to his anointed,
to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him”

God chooses good leaders and he permits evil ones to exist. Also, being a dictator doesn’t necessarily make one insane or evil. Much of the current problems in the Middle East are because we’ve overthrown Dictatorships

 

[Nita]

If I were to challenge the authority of a ruler, and successfully take their place, would my authority be from God?

Probably only in the sense that God did not intervene to prevent it, but rather allowed it to take place. Any “authority” would stem from God recognizing the authority of the position.

God can directly intervene to bring about specific rulers. For example, Saul and David, but there was no overthrowing of an existing legitimate ruler involved. Off hand, I can’t think of a single time God directly intervened by calling someone to rise up, overthrow the existing ruler and then establish himself or someone else as ruler. Maybe someone else can.

And were there not a lot of rulers who achieved power illegally and illegitimately? Does this imply that God wants insane dictators across the world?

No, it does not imply that God wants insane dictators. Again, it just means that He allows it. There could be any number of reasons why. Many times it’s because the people have become wicked and rejected God. God may then decide to remove the “hedge” of protection He had maintained around them when they were faithful.

 

[jcrichton]

What do you do with your power?

There are those in power in the world who are committed to destruction of their enemies and to ruling through iron fist: death, destruction and annihilation of both friends and foes. This does not mean that they are doing God’s will.

Rather, check out Scriptures:

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. 10 Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: 12 Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. (St. Matthew 5)

If the world’s rulers do not follow the Golden Rule they are not following God’s Edicts.

Maran atha!

Angel