Does God need the government’s help? What do you think? From time to time, I will hear someone say that the government has given freedom or protected Christianity. The implication is that without the government’s protection, the church would be in so much trouble.
Paul’s experience informs us here. God had told him to stay in the city. He continued to teach the word of God. But the Jews in the city attacked him, complaining about the success of his ministry in converting people to Christianity. Gallio, the governor, chose to stay out of the matter, declining to judge them on their religious matters. Gallio did not protect the synagogue leader Sosthenes when the people beat him. Paul stayed for some time.
Years ago I met a pastor from Cuba. I asked him if it had been hard to lead the church in a place known for government oppression. He said, “We don’t worry about the government. Let them do what they will. We depend on God and he is causing our church to grow.”
Only God can give freedom. Our founding fathers in the United States knew that. In reality, the church has flourished in places where it was persecuted. Tertullian said, “The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church.” Christianity so often thrives in hostile environments. God does not need the government’s help. But we need God’s help. Remember the words we sing, “On Christ the solid rock we stand. All other ground is sinking sand. We dare not trust the sweetest (human) frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” Thankfully, we have an eternal King who is empowering his church to do his work in the world. Be encouraged!
