"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 agenda is contrary to God's truths. Although God does not instruct us to agree with them, He does direct us to pray for them, regardless of the outcome.
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 personal responsibility, Noro blamed the fire on the Christians living in Rome. He even
declared “open season” on them, which initiated a period of terrible persecution. Christians were hunted down, imprisoned, tortured and put to death.
The persecution was so horrendous that some Christians we're concerned that it might bring an end to the church altogether.
To the contrary, historical accounts indicate that the persecution and martyrdom of those Christians resulted in an increase in faith and commitment to Christ. This in turn led the church to not only survive, but experience impressive growth.
That’s amazing, and causes us to wonder how we would react to such persecution. Regardless, we need to pray daily for our leaders. And even if severe persecution occurs, we can be confident that a far better place awaits us, and that Christ's Church will continue.
Jesus FIRST!
Dennis