1 Timothy 2:1-6
Precious Prayer Warriors and Co-Laborers in the Kingdom,
We celebrate our national birthday tomorrow and it is big in me that we do so according to the Word. Let’s not make this a political rally day, but a day of prayer for our country and for her leaders according to the Word.
In Acts 23 when Paul reacted harshly to a leader who turned out to be the current High Priest, he was rebuffed by another leader. Paul let them know he did not know the man was High Priest and then he said, “…for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.” He was quoting the last part of Exodus 22:28. Now Paul continues that for us. We are not to be like the people without such a wonderful God who will work all things for our good and His glory; those who complain and rally against people in leadership. For we have a God who hears our prayers and honors our walk – in fact He walks with us.
So if we are not to be complaining about our leaders and not complaining about our lot in life, for that is what we have in Jesus, what then are we to spend our time doing? I think the Scripture is clear, “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority;. . .” It is not about who is right or who is wrong. It is about trusting the Lord – even with the politics of our nation.
Beloved, our instructions are the same, no matter what country we live in. We are to pray for our leaders, obey the laws (as long as they do not conflict with the Word), and pay our taxes. Beyond that, do as you are led in voting etc… But we must not be those who cause division in the Body because of our own political beliefs. The Roman Empire, under whose flag the Church first began, was a very godless (every god and every king was god), immoral, wicked nation, with wicked, wicked rulers. Yet, Paul gives these instructions to the first century Christians. Pray, trust God. They were never taught to be a part of a political movement of any kind. One can certainly run for office – if the Lord so leads, etc…. According to the Lord’s leading is the way we live life.
However, we need to celebrate what our God has done with our freedom all these years – the missionaries sent, the people saved, on and on — not be complaining about the leadership He has appointed. (Romans 13:1)
I say this in love, Dear Ones. Let us truly be people of the Word – in our speech as well as in our mission zeal.
Mannaword 