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"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)
Here is a sobering question I would like for you to consider: what if Trump or Harris made the primary focus and goal of their presidency to reinstitute slavery in our country? In their administration, they would strip rights, subjugate some to slavery, and make their lives miserable. Until 1864 in our country, the vast majority of slaves were black. But what if a candidate said all white people aged 18-30 will be slaves? Or all Indians? Or all people from Central and South America will be slaves? Now, how many votes do you think they would get running on this as their primary platform? Of course, there would be a few deranged people who would vote for that, but the vast majority of Americans would outright reject such a notion as preposterous and evil and would vote for the opposing candidate.
For me, there is an ethical issue that evokes the same response that many of you had in the hypothetical scenario I just gave you about slavery. The primary issue for me, and as I understand, for most Americans, is life. Those who are "pro-choice" want to go back to abortion on demand. Those who are pro-life want to defend the unborn and guarantee that they have a chance to live. But this is no hypothetical; in fact, one candidate has made abortion rights the focal point of her candidacy. So, as a result, I did not vote for her. "There you go, telling me who to vote for," you may be thinking. Well, I am not. I am only telling you who *I* am not voting for. You must decide for yourself.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-7, the Apostle Paul instructs followers of Jesus to pray for all our leaders (vs. 1-3). The most important thing you and I can do as Christians is pray. Prayer is work. It is something we all know we need to do, but how many of us pray other than at meals or when a crisis hits us?
Paul lists four types of prayers that we should be engaged in, and in verse 2, lists kings and all those in authority as people we should be praying for. That would certainly include, in our nation, the president, VP, senators, and congressman, as well as all our state and local officials.
Remember who was the emperor of Rome at the time Paul was writing this letter: Nero. He was a ruthless leader who especially persecuted followers of Jesus. Yet Paul prayed for him. Nero would eventually take Paul's life around AD 67, having him beheaded.
Instead of constantly complaining about our politicians and leaders, what if you prayed, or prayed more and complained less? In verse 1, Paul said, "first of all," and we see the importance he places on prayer.
In tomorrow's devotion, we will look at the four specific ways Paul commands us to pray. Will you start today by praying for all those in leadership, whether you are voting for them or not?
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