The Hurricane, the Republicans, and Government.

I decided to take a certain pastor's reasoning for weather events and see if they hold up for more current events.

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I watched the news. Tropical storm Isaac was on a path to Florida, just in time for the Republican National Convention. Threatening to turn into a Hurricane I said, "That looks serious."

Four years ago Focus On The Family asked Christians to pray for torrential rain to ruin the Democratic National Convention, but all they got was a clear, pleasant night.

Now the Republicans have cancelled Monday night of the convention because of the storm.

On the program for Monday night was Obama bashing.

Let me venture an interpretation of this Providence with some biblical warrant.

1. The government is appointed by God.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)

2. Submission to government is an expression of our submission to God, and when you rebel against the government you are rebelling against God.

"Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right." (1 Peter 13-14)

"Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." (Romans 13:2)

3. Therefore, when people continually speak out against the government they are speaking out against God and the leaders he has appointed.

4. Jesus Christ controls the wind, including all hurricanes.

Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41)

5. When asked about a seemingly random calamity near Jerusalem where 18 people were killed, Jesus answered in general terms—an answer that would cover calamities in Florida, Taiwan, or Baghdad. God’s message is repent, because none of us will otherwise escape God’s judgment.

Jesus: “Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)

6. Conclusion: The hurricane in Florida is a gentle warning to the Republicans and all of us: Turn from this ill speaking against God's chosen leaders. Whoever resists the authority of Government is resisting the authority of God. Turn back from speaking evil against God's agents. Rejoice in the knowledge that God is in control.