“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 Timothy 2:1-2).
Difficult times clearly reveal those who truly believe the teaching of God’s Word regarding His providential control over all things in heaven and on earth. It’s very easy to say that we believe God is in control of all things, but it’s quite another to bow to this sovereign truth when things don’t turn out the way we think they should. However, it’s during these difficult times that our trust in the Word of God becomes manifest by our actions. Scripture calls on every believer to pray for all whom God, in His glorious providence, raises up to power. “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 Timothy 2:1-2).
Notice the text does not say to pray only for those you like or vote for, but to pray for “all who are in authority” in order “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” When the Apostle Paul wrote this text Nero Caesar, a wretched beast of a ruler, was dominating the Roman Empire and was killing Christians. In calling Christians to pray for all rulers and those in authority, the Apostle Paul reveals his stanch trust in the sovereign appointment of God over all things. He also reveals the truth that God has determined to use the prayers of His people as a means to affect change in the lives of people, both in salvation and sanctification.
As Christians, do we want peace in the country in which we dwell? Do we want to live godly and reverent lives that bring honor and glory to King Jesus? If you’re a Christian, then you undoubtedly answered “yes” to the questions above. Well then, pray for all in authority in order that our God might mercifully bring these things to pass. Yes, pray for President Obama, congressmen, senators, governors, local officials, police officers, teachers, parents, pastors, elders, deacons, etc. We are never in a hopeless situation as the people of God because our Sovereign Lord, Gracious Redeemer, and Mighty King is seated on the throne ruling all things for His glory and the good of His church.
Meditate upon this truth and may the Lord Jesus Christ, by the working of His Spirit and Word, motivate His saints to bend the knee to the Word of our Lord and faithfully pray for all who are in positions of authority “that we (Christians) may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” to the glory and praise of our great King Jesus!