Exodus 22:28

The ruler of thy people.

The Divine right of magistrates to respect

I. That the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13).

II. That magistrates must re treated with respect, both their persons and their decisions (Joshua 1:16).

1. Because they administer that which, when it is law at all, is based on the will and authority of God (Romans 13:2).

2. Because they administer that which is the bulwark of national stability and personal safety (Romans 13:3).

III. That magistrates must receive respect, irrespective of the effect of their decision (Proverbs 17:26).

1. Because they are but the servants of the law.

2. Because if through human infirmities, justice should occasionally miscarry, it is better to suffer than to bring the law into disrepute (Proverbs 24:21).

3. But if their decisions violate conscience, then Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29.

IV. That magistrates must be secure against all hostile action (Proverbs 17:26; Job 34:17).

1. Fear will warp the judgment.

2. Fear will divert the course of justice.

V. That magistrates are not only entitled to respect, but to our sympathy and prayers (Psalms 22:1; Ezra 6:10; 1 Timothy 2:2).

VI. That disrespect to magistrates is severely condemned (Jude 1:8). Let magistrates, all who are in authority and all who administer law whether civil or domestic, whether in law courts, homes, or houses of business, remember--

1. That they are responsible to God (2 Samuel 23:3). Let them see

(1) that they accurately know the law, and

(2) that their administration is conscientious and courageous (Psalms 72:1; Psa 4:12-14).

2. That they are responsible to man. Upon their decisions depend the well-being of the citizen, and the stability of the realm.

3. That their title to sympathy and veneration is recognized by the people at large. (J. W. Burn.)