First of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, [should] be made for all … that are in authority.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
15
APRIL
To be a Christian is to be a key personality in the world situation today.
Geoffrey King
People in authority have a very difficult task and it is easy to criticise them. Many bitter words are spoken about rulers, and people do not seem to realise that, while leaders sometimes enact evil laws and make many mistakes, their task is an extremely arduous one.
Christians should have a different attitude toward their rulers. We may criticise our rulers, we may find fault with them, we may disagree with the laws that they pass, but we should be different in this respect: we should pray for all in authority. Paul says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” He begins with kings and then mentions “all that are in authority.” We have a duty to pray for our national leaders and our local representatives as well as for our security forces and for all entrusted with leadership.
The aim of such praying is that God’s people “may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Desiring to live peaceably, we pray to that end so that we may live godly and honest lives to the glory of our God. We don’t want a life of disturbance and persecution. Good government gives us freedom to do this. It also gives us an opportunity to evangelise. It is interesting that after speaking about praying for rulers, Paul mentions the saving of souls (verse 4). Clearly these things are connected. It is in our interest to pray for our rulers because good government safeguards our liberty to reach out to the lost with the gospel.
If we are Christians we have vital work to do to pray for our leaders. And when we have peace as a result of their wise government we should use that blessing to work to lead the lost to Jesus Christ.
Rev. Gordon Ferguson
Daily devotions are from the book “Footprints of Faith”.
Copyright – All Rights Reserved.
