"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 Timothy 1:1-2 )
I've seen this verse multiple times posted and quoted since the shots were fired yesterday at President Trump during his rally in PA, thankfully he's okay, and I wanted to add my blog to the mix. There are no better words today for the church to hear and obey.
Next verses: "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved, to come to the knowledge of the truth." ( verses 3-4 )
"All people" - including "kings and all who are in high positions." 'All' includes our leaders.
In the Book of Genesis, we see that God created and established the order of government. It's his design, as is male, female, marriage, the family and the church. So bringing these truths together in a broken world, we know that on this side of Jesus's kingdom, the one he said was not of this world, God's institutions aren't going to run perfectly. Perfect Designer - imperfect creatures.
The Kingdom of God is already, but not yet.
In the "mean" time we are called to pray that they will run smooth. It's that tension thing again. And we can see glimpses in this life of the life to come. But yesterday, I thought about this: It's works for good and evil. We can also see glimpses of the judgment to come.
No matter what view we take on eschatology, or how anyone thinks we all began on this little planet, history is quickly heading toward a final "big bang."
As God's people we must be praying more than ever for the salvation of souls. Pray against evil, so good may flourish that the gospel can be proclaimed and heard by all people. Historically speaking, we see that the gospel flourishes more in freedom than communism; although God can work anywhere.
And we are commanded to expose the works of darkness whether they be in the Republican party, the Democratic party, or the church. God is burning the dross off of his people. We've seen this in the last year as two major false teachers were exposed and brought down. Judgment starts in the household of God.
We have to look inward to our own hearts first.
"For it is time for judgment to to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And 'If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?'" ( 1 Peter 4:17 - 18 )
Whenever I attempt to figure the evil events out in this world, when I ponder if this one or that one was a believer, did they believe in Christ in those last moments of life or were they rebellious to the bitter end, do you ever do that? I am reminded always of Jesus's words to the people in Luke 13:1 after they asked him if the people involved in a tragedy were worse sinners?" Like the questions I often ponder.
Jesus says it twice as if to punctuate the importance: "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
May this always be the church's sobering posture; as we pray for all people and fight the good fight of faith.
Repent
And remember who alone is Sovereign.
💜
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