I was just reading this passage with my wife this evening, and verses 3-4 really struck me.
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me,
his word was on my tongue.The God of Israel spoke;
the Rock of Israel said to me,“The one who rules the people with justice,
who rules in the fear of God,is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning,
the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.”
My first thought in reading that was, “Why can’t Prime Minister Abe (I live in Japan) and President Trump (especially President Trump — I am an American citizen) be like that?”
My second thought was, “How often do I pray for them?”
It’s so easy for us when we’re praying to complain about our leaders. But God doesn’t call us to complain about them.
He calls us to pray for them.
Specifically,
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4)
If we want to “change the number” in our countries, that is, to see many more people come to know Christ and give their lives to him, we need to start praying for our leaders.
Don’t waste your time praying about your leaders’ failures and stupid choices. Pray for them.
Won’t you join me in praying for them today?
