Word of Encouragement (8/5/2021)
Let’s continue our reflection on Paul’s commands to Timothy to pray: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Yesterday, we talked about the different kinds of prayer, which are listed in this command. Today, we will focus on his emphasis on the intercessory prayer: “for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions....”
This is in line with our doctrine of God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign over all things; even all the powerful and influential leaders of the world are not exempt from God’s sovereign rule. So, Paul says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom. 13:1). Peter, too, commands, “Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good” (1 Pet. 2:13-14). You know that, when they wrote these letters, they were under the rule of the Roman Empire, which, at that time, was not favorable toward Christians. Even so, they affirmed that the empire could not be what it was, and have the power it had, without God’s permission: “[God] changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings...” (Dan. 2:21). What is more, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Prov. 21:1).
Of course, just because God places leaders in their positions of authority doesn’t mean they will do what they are supposed to do. It is not in the nature of fallen sinners to do God’s will. Think about Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, the northern kingdom, when ten northern tribes separated from David and Solomon’s kingdom (which became Judah). This was God’s punishment for Solomon’s idolatry toward the end of his reign (even though the split happened after Solomon during Rehoboam’s reign). God honored Jeroboam by choosing him to be Israel’s king and promised to give him a house like David’s if he obeyed God as David did. But what did he do soon after he became king? He built two golden calves and placed them in Dan and Bethel as alternatives to the Jerusalem temple and caused Israel to sin. It is rare to find a leader, who is not in some way corrupted by power: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
This is why we are to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions....” Because God placed them there, we need to submit to their authority. This is in obedience to God, not to any inherent authority in their persons or positions. We cannot, and must not, obey their authority if they force us to deny Him. And because they are susceptible to the corrupting power of authority as fallen sinners (and as yet-to-be-glorified saints), we need to pray for them. And because God is the sovereign Lord over them, we have the assurance that, when we pray to Him, He can restrain their sinfulness and enable them to do what is right.
It is easy to be discouraged by what is going on in politics. So, we either turn our deaf ears to all the clamoring, or we place too much stock in politics for our safety and hope. Paul’s words provide us with a biblical balance. Instead of simply being turned off by the politicians or get all worked up for certain politicians, let us be more diligent in praying for them so that they may do the work God has called them to do with the authority He entrusted to them.