Pray for those in Authority!

 

History proves that hardship and suffering of the masses are usually due to the decisions of the leadership not the populous! War, economic difficulty and social suffering are usually the results of the direction, policies and decisions of those at the top and those who lead, not those who follow. Leaders have the ability to lead the people into prosperity or poverty, success or failure, peace or war and happiness or hardship. The Bible says:

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." James 3:1, (KJV).

Some versions say “teachers” and “judgement”. This is talking about leaders and their responsibilities. They can teach the truth or a lie. They can lead wisely or oppressively and thus will ultimately receive a greater praise or greater judgement and condemnation. We see the parallel of this truth today both in politics and the Church. God holds the shepherd more responsible than the sheep; the leaders more than those who follow!

It breaks my heart to see the suffering of those who can barely afford gas or food because of the economy created by the present leadership. It pains me to see the death and fear that ravishes the people of Ukraine who suffer because of one man in Russia who hungers for more power.  Most people suffer at the hands of their oppressor, whether domestic or abroad and sadly most Christians suffer too because of both secular and church leadership. We are to pray for the comfort and strength of the people, and we are also called to pray for leaders and those in authority as causation will determine effect.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;” 1 Tim. 2:1-3

We are instructed to pray for “all men”, that they might be saved; that they may be blessed and comforted and encouraged. We are also told to pray for those who “are in authority” that they might do right by the people, that they lead in a godly fashion so that the people “may lead a quiet and peaceable life”

The Godless create their own environment but the righteous must pray for theirs! God hears and in due time will answer! The children of Israel were once blessed by Egypt and given the best land and lived a quiet and peaceable life under Joseph and Pharaoh. But Joseph died and a new Pharaoh arose and then the Israelites became slaves and cruelly oppressed for 400 years! When the people had enough and cried out to God, He sent Moses to deliver them from their tyranny!

The pattern of the old Testament is clear. When Israel had a righteous and godly king, the nation did well and was blessed and at peace with their enemies. But when the king was wicked, the people fell into sin and compromise and they soon were oppressed by their leaders and their enemies.

God raises up Kings and deposes kings (Daniel 2:21). He is sovereign and does all things according to His will, but often he waits until his people repent and turn from their wicked ways and then hears from heaven and responds to their prayers. Now is a time for us as the church to get right with God and to pray for pastors and elders to quit playing silly religious games and then we can turn our effectual, fervent prayers towards those who lead the nations that the oppressors be brought low and that the righteous step in. Pray for Biden and Putin, that they either lead rightly and responsibly or be replaced by those who will. God has put a simple condition on the welfare of our lives: “If my people Pray”!

 

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death, and keep them alive in famine. Psa. 33:12-19