Romans 13: 1-7 NKJV
"Let every soul be subject to the authorities . . ." (v.1)
This morning, I brought my family to visit my father's grave at a Chinese cemetery in Kajang. It was a quiet cool and sunny morning, and many families had already arrived to pay their annual customary respect for their departed loved ones. The cemetery appeared busy and, in some places, even crowded, with people burning paper money and other offerings to the departed souls, while others were clearing the graves of weeds, undergrowth and rubbish.
In spite of the busy activity, the cemetery came across to me as a very peaceful place. A "neighbourhood" of so many families who put on some of the best behaviour one can encounter on any ordinary day. People worked and talked quietly without complaining. There were no disturbances nor arguments of any sort. They even walked carefully, making sure that they didn't tread on the graves of other families.
What a peaceful neighbourhood.
Then, I realised that peaceful neighbourhoods, like this cemetery in Kajang, is brought about when people live in fear. Fear of punishment. Fear of angry spirits. Fear of misfortune. In a Chinese cemetery, traditional non-Christian Chinese families are very careful and particular about not offending the departed souls (a.k.a. spirits, souls or ghosts). No careless stepping or walking over the wrong places. No silly talk. No coarse joking. Burn the paper-offerings and "pray" to the ancestors' spirits solemnly.
Perhaps, they will bless your family this year. Otherwise, woe betide you all. Offending the spirits may bring illness, disputes, financial troubles and the like. So, behave yourself and get "their" approval. Misbehave and be afraid, be very afraid.
This morning, I am reminded of Romans 13. The apostle wrote that, similarly, rulers (kings, governors, officers etc) are a terror to those who do evil. Do good and we will have praise from the authorities. Avoid living in fear all the time. A ruler is a minister from God, entrusted with the task of executing wrath on any one who practises evil. In this passage, doing good refers to obeying authorities while doing evil means committing offences.
Let us create a peaceful neighbourhood. A peace that is not confined to a brief annual visit to the cemetery but, instead, one that lasts the whole year round. A peace that is not brought about by some fear of offending angry departed spirits, but by doing good in obeying authorities instituted by God.
