THE poll cards dropped through my letterbox this morning. The referendum on whether or not to remain in the European Union is less than a month away.

And as the debate is increasingly dominating our national news headlines, many of us are still uncertain about which way to vote.

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We worry about European directives on the shape of cucumbers and bananas – and wonder at the way the European Parliament manages to divide its time between Strasbourg and Brussels. And I wonder if I’m the only person in Blackburn who doesn’t know the name of my MEP?

On the other hand, we fear the consequences of Brexit – the impact on the economy, for example. Will we be ‘at the back of the queue’ when it comes to trading with the wider world, as President Obama recently suggested?

Whatever happens on 23rd June, it is worth reflecting that the story of government starts very early in human history.

In fact the very first chapter of the Bible speaks of God’s charge to humanity to ‘fill the earth and subdue it’ Genesis 1:28). God gives men and women the responsibility for the government of the whole earth.

Yes, it’s true we don’t always make a good job of it. And government in the hands of people who have said ‘no’ to having God rule over them will never be ideal.

And yet the Lord Jesus, born under Roman government, teaches his disciples to ‘give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s’.

In other words, pay your taxes, and generally be law-abiding – because the state, even an imperfect one like the Roman Empire or the UK, is God’s servant.

The state is given by God to provide order and some measure of justice. Government does good by maintaining civil order and peace and providing a stage on which citizens can flourish.

As well as speaking of our responsibility to Caesar, Jesus also teaches us to ‘give back to God what is God’s’.

Ultimately God is sovereign over all – over Europe, over presidents and prime ministers.

No government is wise enough, good enough or strong enough to rule us in the way we want or need.

God’s King is Jesus, who rules with perfect justice and wisdom. His Kingdom is good news – and he is calling men and women today to submit to him as king.

Canon Andrew Raynes

Christ Church with St Matthew, Blackburn