This post appeared in the January 25, 2016 Pastor's Pondering. The nation was then looking forward to the election in the fall. Although the current election is over, the call to pray for our leaders is still necessary.
Don’t Forget To Pray For Our Leaders
This fall, the United States of America will choose leaders who are currently struggling to convince the electorate that they are the person that must be designated political leader of the moment. They imply that if they are not chosen, the country will suffer. Candidates will spend billions of dollars using very skilled advertisers who will try to persuade us to make the right choice, which, of course, is their candidate.
This would all be rather confusing and depressing if we did not know that if God does not elevate the leader, he or she would be useless (Psalm 127:1). We have heard various candidates pronounce they will definitely solve our problems, answer our questions, and increase our prosperity. But the Bible says in spite of their boasts and idle promises, promotion to higher office only comes from God (Psalm 75:4-7).
As we feel God is leading, we should learn about the issues, make telephone calls, canvas door to door, write, or speak out in support of policies and politicians. But, most of all, in this political season, let those of us who love God resolve to pray for those in authority and that when they make decisions, they allow God’s direction to be more important than rich and powerful donors, pundits, voters, or influence-peddlers. When we do this, we can live peaceful lives in Him (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Psalm 127:1
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
Psalm 75:4-7
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’”
6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.
7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
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