1 Samuel 8
Notice that Israel wants a physical king to lead them, instead of God. This is our government today. People think we need a government and it's laws, made by man, in order to maintain order, peace, and freedom. The Bible tells us from 1 Sam. 8 that God tells Samuel to give them what they want, but there will be consequences. We see that very same effect today. Simply put, we as Americans rely more on our government than we do our God, and if God is really with us, there's no need for a government or a military...unless you dont believe God still always protects those who are His (1 Cor. 13).
Romans 13:1-4
Being subject to governing bodies simply means do not be rebellious. There's really no sense in it. Remember when Paul was imprisoned and the earthquake struck. The gaurd was sure Paul had escaped and was about to kill himself to avoid the shame of failure. Yet Paul stated and the man spared himself. What this verse does not mean is follow the authorities if they are in opposition to God's Word. I yet again say that none of us can kill our neighbor and claim to love them at the same time...that would be a bold lie.
I agree with you that we, as Americans, rely on our government more than on God and that is most unfortunate. In fact, I don't like the socialistic direction our country is heading in! However, I don't think you can rightfully compare America with the nation of Israel in 1 Samuel 8. First of all, Israel rejected a theocratic government which had previously been in effect since they came out of Egypt. Second, when God was reigning over Israel, before the days of the kings, if Israel would come under attack or oppression, God would raise up men who would deliver them; "all these were men of war," that is, they were professional soldiers (Judges 20:17). They received their marching orders from him (Judges 20:28).
Additionally, after the days of the kings, when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and they came under threat of attack, they split up responsibilities with some building and some standing guard with spears and shields. Everyone had a sword strapped to their side (Nehemiah 4:18-20)! When told of a later threat, listen to what Nehemiah told those who suggested he hide in the temple, "Should such a man as I run away?" (Neh. 6:11). And so we see that before and after the kings of Israel, God's people were prepared to go into battle--and this with God's support!
Now I know you will say, "Ah, but we are not living in the Old Testament!" That is true, but you brought up the Old Testament. To be honest, this is not an OT vs. NT issue--this is not about law vs grace; God has never taken pleasure in death or violence (Ezekiel 18:23); God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)!
I believe you only got half of the Romans 13:1-4 right. You said it simply means to not be rebellious against the government. Yes, but that is not all: God has instituted these authorities to bring order to an evil world. While the immediate application is to be good citizens and not be rebellious, it also shows God's purpose for government. Government "is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer" (v.5).
The problem is that there are no perfect governments. Sometimes rulers rise up and wreak all kinds of havoc. Admittedly, the United States is not the ideal government; although--in my opinion--it is one of the best so far! One area that I agree wholeheartedly with you is that when our government is in opposition to God's word we are to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
What you present is an ideal government, and I assure you (by God's word!) that one day the world will be completely under God's rule. There will be no need for a military because there will be no one to defend against. We will all be happily under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is where you suppose us to be today and I wish it were true, but it is not. Your children and mine will sleep safely tonight because of all the military service members who defend our peace and liberty. Some of us are your brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of whether or not you choose to accept us. Fortunately for us, God has accepted us through Jesus Christ our Lord.
