There seems to be a mixture of despair and faith among Christians in regards to the outcome of Tuesday's election. But, how ought we relate to our government on earth while knowing we possess a higher citizenship in heaven (Phil 3:20)? Should the Christian act as though there is no hope because of the transient issues of our national politics in our day? Is our hope of eternal things in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4) washed away with the next 4 years? What does a Christian do if he finds disappointment, particularly thinking of his nation's leadership?
Regardless of which way your vote was cast on Tuesday, and regardless of your feelings of who is in office, each believer has a certian Biblical responsibility to his nation's leaders. In thinking on the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 2 I think there is needed perspective found for us today. He says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (v.1-2) A greater sin may very well be found in Christians' prayerlessness for the man in office than any sins of the man holding the office. That is a strong statement. It is not meant to continue on the Church-bashing so often found by disgruntled Christians. But, it is said to remind us of the reality that our highest and noblest of duties as citizens of heaven is to pray.
Notice that this is not a command given to the President of the United States. It's given to Christians. Our God takes seriously the prayers of His people and such seriousness ought to be felt in our own hearts. Take your cues from Samuel, Christians, that it is serious business indeed to pray for your political leaders. This great prophet of Isreal said to the king of Israel, "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord and fail to pray for you!" Though stern in his opinions of Israel's king, Samuel knew he would have been guilty in God's eyes if he did not go before God and offer "requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving" for the king of Israel. So too, as a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9) we are guilty if we do not bring our leaders to the Lord in prayer.
Christians, take up your charge and commit yourself humbly and wholeheartedly to the task of greatest importance. Your greatest civil duty as an American is met in fulfilling your spiritual duty in prayer. For it is on behalf of the President, and all those in authority that you callous your knees. And if God is for us who can be against us? And, if God is for them who can be against them? You are priests, so be priests, and offer the sacrifice of your prayer as you are expected to.
Guard your hearts from cynical lovelessness and remember your place in history as you place yourself before the Lord in prayer. We are not released from our duty due to personal distaste towards any officials. Was not our Lord's most earnest plea for politicians offered while nails were driven through His hands, "Father, forgive them!"
So pray for the leaders who are in authority over you. As Paul says, "all" of them. Pray for them to love justice and to govern with integrity. Pray they know right from wrong and choose the right, no matter what the cost. Pray they have the noblest character of all the people in our land. Pray our nation prospers under their guidance. Pray they love their nation and their people from their hearts. Pray they are self-less and not self-seeking. Pray they would sacrifice themselves and not the weak. Pray for the best of men to be at the top. And above all, pray their hearts would melt before the love of God in Jesus Christ so that out of them many may enter into the company of the redeemed.
Pray Christian! It is a holy honor to do so. But, it is disgraceful that one among us would be found silent when the Lord listens for us. Others who do not know the Lord will not call upon Him. But we do know Him - would we offer only our silence? Mind you it is we who are called to pray on behalf of our leaders, not the other way around. Do not fail your duty to the Lord of heaven when it comes to your leaders here on earth.
Act as though it is the Lord who is forever - not the government of the U.S. This one rests in His hands, but, a government is coming that will rest upon His shoulders (Isa. 9:6). Pray to the One who is not elected to His office, the eternal Incumbent who is challenged by none, and whose term is without end. Begin today, regardless of party, to make "requests, prayer, intercession and thanksgiving for all those in authority".
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