In my office at home is a bust of my favorite U.S. President. Since I was a boy I have admired the strength and gentleness of Abraham Lincoln. On a recent trip though Washington I made sure to drive our kids by Ford’s Theatre and the house across the street where Lincoln spent his last moments on this earth. He was a great American and a leader chosen by divine providence for his time.
I am currently reading a brief biographical overview of each of the Presidents of the United States. They all differed greatly in personality, politics, and policies. One thing may be said of each, “God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:7).
On this President’s Day believers should be more concerned with the spiritual than the political. Too many develop their views from the news instead of the Bible. What is the responsibility of Christians to their leaders?
To be sure, God places his Joseph’s in Egypt and his Daniel’s in Babylon. Yet it is important to remember that in the New Testament you do not see the Apostle Paul decrying the abuses of Rome. The early church did not march through the streets. Followers of Christ were not called on to lead rebellion. Instead, believers were called on to do one thing…pray.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 we read,
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Our world is full of talking heads. The problem is that most of our talk is being done only to one another. The greatest thing you can do is talk to God for those who are in authority.
- Pray for his protection.
- Pray for his family.
- Pray for his counselors and advisers.
- Pray for his decision-making. Ask the Lord to give him wisdom and to continue to give us liberty.
- Most of all, pray for his soul. Intercede for spiritual needs and you will make a difference not only for time but for eternity.
It is the one thing you can do for our President today. It is the best thing you can do. And you can do it every day.
Do this today for the President of the United States…pray.
(A wonderful opportunity is just ahead for those who would like to pray with their Congressional leaders in Washington D.C. Join us for a great prayer effort at the Capitol Connection, March 13-15. More information may be found at awakeamericaonline.org.)
