In the late 1700's a group of colonists left Virginia and started across the mountains to the land that lay far to the west. For some reason they were forced to interrupt their journey. Perhaps it was fear of Indians, a death, or the breakdown of a wagon. For whatever reason they spent twenty years in the mountains, in which time they had no contact with any white men.

Finally, another group of travelers made its way through the region and came upon those settlers. Naturally, there was much conversation about the outside world. The travelers asked the mountaineers what they thought of the "Republic" and the policies of "Congress."

The isolated ones responded, "We've heard nothing of the Republic or the Congress." They went on to explain that they were loyal subjects of the British king. When they heard of the nation's independence and how it came about, and how they were now American citizens, they had an understanding of their "new" status in life. During that conversation, they became American citizens by simple knowledge.

In the same way, we as Christians, have a new status. We have become members of God's kingdom because of the knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. Having this knowledge, we as God's people, gratefully obey his commands. One of those commands that God has given us comes in the Fourth Commandment. God makes it clear to us that we are not only his subjects as he rules over us, we are also subject to his representatives here on earth - in the home, in the church, and in the government.

If God had wanted to, he could have placed us in this world without parents. That is the way it was for Adam and Eve. He could have made us all fully-grown humans without ever being children at all. But he did not do this, perhaps because he knew what a great blessing children would be, or how great experience it is to go through the relatively carefree years childhood. So God established the family, and in doing so, he designated parents to be responsible for us throughout our lives.

And so it is logical that respect for authority should be learned in the home, taught by parents. A child, by nature, does not respect authority. Children are born sinful and selfish and only want their own way. Therefore, parents ought teach their children God's will in the Fourth Commandment. First and foremost, however, parents will show their children God and what His Son, Jesus, did for us, so that out of love, they will obey.

And yes, this does involve disciplining. God gives these instructions to parents. (Proverbs 13:24) - "He that spares the rod, hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." God has given the "rod" of correction as a tool for parents to use. However, the "rod" of correction must always be administered out of love and concern and never out of anger. The welfare of the child is the over-riding principle. This is one of the most awesome and important responsibilities a parent has.

Children - obey your parents out of love for God. When you obey your parents, you are obeying God. Yes this may mean doing chores and cleaning your room. It also may mean listening to their advice. Honor your parents that it may go well with you. This command is for children of all ages. We will never run out of opportunities to honor our mothers and fathers as long as God blesses us with them.

God also has His representatives in the church. They are here to serve his people, especially in spiritually matters. Those who teach the young, those who serve in various offices, and pastors are all God's representatives in the church.

It is especially the pastor who has been placed in authority in regards to spiritual matters. The pastor, however, is not the dictator of the church, voicing his own personal preferences. Rather, he is the teacher, preacher and counselor. He is to carry out these duties in faithfulness, always employing Law and Gospel. God has given pastors the duty to show the sinner their sin and consequences of that sin, eternal damnation in hell. He is then to lead the person to the Gospel, where they will see their Savior, Jesus, who has won eternal life in heaven for them. God demands faithfulness in these duties.

God also commands respect for his faithful servants. Paul, in writing to the Thessalonian congregation, told them, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work." We must remember that pastors serve as God's representatives. They are not sinless. Yet they deserve respect because they will have to give an account to God of their service. Hebrews 13:17 tells us, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Finally we come to God's representatives in the government. Paul wrote, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For he is God's servant to do you good."

God has placed the government over us for our good. We hear of oppressive governments, corrupt leaders, sins and crimes of public officials. Yet we must remember that God has placed these authorities over us for our good, to establish and uphold laws. The government is meant to be a blessing from God for us.

Today is our nation's birthday, Independence Day. Consider the wide array of blessing you have just because you live under the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America. The fact that we can meet here this morning and worship the Triune God together is a blessing to cherish very deeply. We are especially blessed as citizens of this great land.

As you consider that, remember those words that the Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome. That very government, which he commanded them to obey, was extremely hostile to them. That government eventually put the Apostle Paul to death fro being a Christian. Was this government that was persecuting them to be obeyed? It most certainly was. Paul told them to submit to the governing authorities. When our government asks us to serve, we do it to the best of our ability. When it levies taxes, we pay them. When it imposes laws, we obey them. Thus we "render to Caesar" what is due him.

Now why do we obey God's representatives in the home, in the church and in the government? Of course it is because God has told us to. But why do we obey God? Some wrongly assume our obedience gets us into heaven. That is wrong entirely. Not one single action that we do can earn us heaven. We believe that Jesus Christ paid for our sins when he died on the cross and he rose from the dead so that we would receive the gift of eternal life.

Honor your father and mother, respect those in positions of leadership in the church, and obey the governing authorities of the state. Why - out of gratefulness to our King, Jesus. Amen.