Pray for all people. Yes, even those people.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:1–5, ESV)
Strife. Our nation sure seems to have a lot of it these days. Disdain drips from our words as we speak of those with whom we disagree. Media pundits fan the flame of our anger towards our opponents. Social media commentators sling slanderous stones at whomever would oppose their agenda.
On July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania someone even fired this hatred with some bullets at Former President, and presidential nominee, Donald Trump striking his ear, killing one person, and critically injuring two others. Numerous individuals chimed in that they wished the shooter had succeeded in the assassination attempt. Meanwhile, others have spent their days trying to humiliate the current President for his age, apparent lack of health, and slips of his mind, mouth, or foot. The phrase has been used in recent presidential terms, “Not my President!”
Jesus stated, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44, ESV). Have you been praying for your President? What about the presidential nominees? How about those others who madden you so much?
Scripture tells us that God has placed ALL governing authorities in their positions (Romans 13:1-4). Moreover, we are told that they are agents of God for our good. That may be hard to imagine, and you may not want to imagine the “bad nominee” winning the next election, but God says it. Therefore, it is the truth.
We are also told that we are to pray for ALL people who are in high positions. These prayers are not to be like voodoo curses where we hope that calamity befalls them, but prayers for their blessing. We are to thank God for them, to ask God to shower His bountiful grace upon them, to intercede for their health and safety, to plead with God to save their soul from judgment and the fires of hell and to deliver them safely to eternal life through His Son. God wants them to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. He wants it so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for them (John 3:16-17).
As you think about the issues in our country that trouble you, and especially as you are tempted to hate your neighbor, remember God’s providence and love for you and for them. Remember that God is in control. Believe that the God of History is guiding things. Trust that God will take care of you and us. And pray, with the extravagant love of God in Jesus filling your heart, that God would bless your enemies too.
View the August 2024 Newsletter here. |
