Praying for the authorities
1Tim 2.1-4, “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.”
On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, one of the largest in the world by its international repercussions, it is good to remind ourselves of Paul’s recommendations to his spiritual son, the Bishop of Ephesus, Timothy, to pray for our authorities.
The principle of separation of Church and State is so deep that the majority of Christians thinks it means: “Christ and politics do not go together. Or, you cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit and do politics. It is impossible to do politics without dirtying your hands (hence, every politician Christian is automatically suspected of corruption).” To ensure we stay away from the 'affairs of the city' (politics), the devil has even greatly help us diabolised it. Yet, the Bible is full of people who have held high offices in the State without corrupting themselves: Joseph, David, Daniel and his friends, Esther, Deborah, many kings mentioned in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, and Erastus, the treasurer of the city of Corinth (Rom 16.23), to mention only a few. It is therefore possible for a Christian to be involved in politics and remain faithful to the LORD. Why should we pay more attention to politics?
1) It has an interest in us. It takes decisions that affect us directly. This is why Paul says: “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” and Jeremiah asks to seek the welfare of the cities and countries of residence, and pray to the LORD on their behalf, for in their welfare is ours (Jer 29:7). The best way to seek the welfare of a city, a country or even an organization, is to procure them good leaders – ideally God-fearing ones, but if not, at least some who genuinely have the best interests of the people at heart. Leaders who do not covet the position because of their stomach or, in order to promote the agenda of small occult groups. Indeed, the Bible repeatedly shows us how the entire nation prospered each time it was run by a pious king. If we want to see the Crisis end, or crime rate fall, or jobs being created and if we want the notions of family, marriage and sanctity of life preserved, we need to kneel down before the LORD and present Him every election. Once a person is elected, it's too late: when you have signed to collect a delivery, you must accept all that the package contains. As soon as the child is conceived, its genetic code is in place: you cannot start praying for him not to have grandma’s nose afterwards. Yes, the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD who turns it wherever He wills. So, He can still shake them from time to time and force them to implement or revoke some decisions, even after the election (Pr 21:1); but, prevention is better than cure. It is better not to have grandma’s nose than to have to remove it surgically. My pastor often says that since the Church has lost her power (in prayer), she now resorts to petitions to influence government decisions. We have become too retroactive instead of being proactive. If we do not define the rules of the political game, we will spend our time dealing with what the agents of darkness would have inspired the politicians to do.
2) There will be a judgment of the nations (Mat 25:32). For it to be as fair as possible, Jesus ordered us to make disciples of all nations and preach the gospel of the Kingdom everywhere, that it may serve as a testimony to all nations (Mat 28.19 et 24.14). To discipline a nation is to convert systems; to submit them to the authority of divine Commandments. It is to align what is done down here with what is being done up there. There are only two ways to achieve this: the fervent prayer of the righteous (cf. Elijah) or the appointment of worthy representatives of Christ who can make and undo laws in high places. We must therefore take an interest in politics and participate in public affairs. The Church must become militant again.
3) We must pray for the authorities because they are the stake of interests that we cannot even begin to fathom. Think of Daniel and his friends. They were attacked from all sides because two opposing camps sought to control them. They belonged to God’s camp when they arrived in Babylon. However, the devil quickly took an interest in them (read Dan 1). We cannot afford to abandon people as important and strategic as the authorities into the hands of the devil. This can only turn back against us.
4) Finally, we must pray for those who are in authority because God wants them to have an opportunity to be saved and it is pleasing unto Him as well. But Jesus said: He who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him (Jn 8.29). God shows no partility (Ac 10:35); if we do what pleases Him, He will also de with us, always.
Have a great week and God bless you!
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