“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.” I Timothy 2:1-2
When Paul writes this to Timothy, the notorious Roman Emperor Nero was in power (A.D. 54-68) and persecuting Christians. It might be surprising that Paul was exhorting prayer for one so evil. We also see that the Prophet Jeremiah told God’s people who were exiled to pray for their captors. To be sure, the prayers are not so that these leaders succeed in doing evil or gain greater power in order to bring ruin to the people of God, but rather so that they would find the Lord through faith or be led to the will of God.
Our great God is able to use even unbelievers to do His will and bring about good for His people. We know that King Cyrus of Persia was used in the Old Testament times to bring God’s people out of exile and back to their promised land. Cyrus even assisted in the rebuilding of the Temple. This was possible because God is the ultimate authority over all earthly powers and principalities. God can even use corrupt, unbelieving rulers and governments to provide at least some level of well being for people. Governments provide safety, commerce, infrastructure and the ability to exchange goods and wealth in a more efficient manner. Even though all governments and leaders are imperfect, God can still use them to provide goodness and order to the masses.
In light of all of this, God commands us to pray for our leaders so that their leadership would allow the citizens to live in peace and quietness and to live godly lives. Yet, when the government contradicts the laws of God, we are bound to follow God rather than man. Till we reach our perfect home in heaven, we will pray for the imperfect leaders so that they may be given godly direction and counsel.
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian