1 Timothy 2:1-3, NIV
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
The American people have spoken. The most expensive election in history is now over. For the next four years the first ever black President of the United States will preside in the White House. It is certainly a historic moment. One half of the nation is elated, the other is generous in defeat. Whether you are pleased or disappointed with the outcome is not now the issue, it is the responsibility of believers to pray for those people who have been given authority to lead our nations.
Such is the world-wide influence of the United States that it is incumbent on all of us, irrespective of our nationality to pray for the new President-elect. Even though he is untested in office, he is already, by election, a world leader and, as citizens of the world, the injunction of scripture is to pray for him.
But, as today’s Scripture reminds us, the issue that is ultimately on God’s heart is not just who should be President, or what his policies are, but that men and women the world over should come to a knowledge of the truth. It is sometimes hard, in the middle of political campaigning, when so many things are said with an underlying motive of promoting one candidate or the other, to discover exactly what is the truth about anything!
The ultimate truth about Jesus, however, is unequivocally revealed in the Word of God. As Jesus said, he is the way, the TRUTH and the life. We cannot either vote him into or out of office. His position is above all governments. He is King of kings and Lord of lords and the ultimate government of the heavens and the earth is upon his shoulders. What a relief to know that He who is truth, is in charge and that the greatest desire of his heart is that people should come to know Him.
So, as we pray for all the leaders of the world, let us never forget in our praying that the affairs of men are in the hands of God and that the heart of our intercession should always be that men and women the world over will want to choose who is Lord of their hearts and that they will make the right choice in the only vote they can ever make that will transcend all the the governments of time and change our destiny in eternity.
Prayer: We pray, Lord, for all the world’s leaders, especially those who have responsibility for our own nations and the new President-elect of the USA. We ask that the decisions they make will ultimately serve your purposes of drawing people to the Saviour so that they can make the right choice in their hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen
