Pray for Our Leaders, No Matter What.
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
It is not always easy to pray for our leaders, especially when their platform or agenda is contrary to God's laws. Although God does not instruct us to agree with our leaders, He does command us to pray for them.
Consider the plight of Christians when Nero ruled the Roman Empire. In 64 AD a devastating fire destroyed nearly 2/3 of the city of Rome. Many historians suspect that Nero ordered the fire set for his own amusement or to rebuild the city more to his liking.
However, in order to escape culpability, Noro blamed the fire on Christians. He even declared “open season” on them, initiating a period of terrible persecution. Hundreds, if not thousands of Christians were hunted down, beaten, imprisoned, tortured and even crucified.
The persecution was so horrendous that some Christians were concerned that it might bring an end to the church. To the contrary, historical accounts indicate that the persecution of Christians resulted in an increase in allegiance and commitment to Christ. Thus, the church not only survived, but experienced impressive growth.
All of which makes me wonder how we would respond to such persecution. Regardless, we are commanded to pray for our leaders. And even if severe persecution comes our way, we can be confident that Christ's Church will continue, and a far better place awaits us.
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
It is not always easy to pray for our leaders, especially when their platform or agenda is contrary to God's laws. Although God does not instruct us to agree with our leaders, He does command us to pray for them.
Consider the plight of Christians when Nero ruled the Roman Empire. In 64 AD a devastating fire destroyed nearly 2/3 of the city of Rome. Many historians suspect that Nero ordered the fire set for his own amusement or to rebuild the city more to his liking.
However, in order to escape culpability, Noro blamed the fire on Christians. He even declared “open season” on them, initiating a period of terrible persecution. Hundreds, if not thousands of Christians were hunted down, beaten, imprisoned, tortured and even crucified.
The persecution was so horrendous that some Christians were concerned that it might bring an end to the church. To the contrary, historical accounts indicate that the persecution of Christians resulted in an increase in allegiance and commitment to Christ. Thus, the church not only survived, but experienced impressive growth.
All of which makes me wonder how we would respond to such persecution. Regardless, we are commanded to pray for our leaders. And even if severe persecution comes our way, we can be confident that Christ's Church will continue, and a far better place awaits us.
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
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