Pray For Authority

I URGE THEN FIRST OF ALL THAT REQUESTS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSION AND THANKSGIVING BE MADE FOR EVERYONE, FOR KINGS AND ALL THOSE IN AUTHORITY. 1 TIM 2.1,2

There is no country under the sun where the rulers are altogether righteous and just! From East to West in every nation the people are subjected to the wickedness of evil rulers and only in degree it varies! The apostle Paul who lived under the rule of the most cruel and corrupt Roman government, urges us to adopt the right attitude and action, as Christian citizens of our country.

For some years now, the Church in many countries has been endeavouring to bring not only salvation to the perishing peoples but also liberation from the evils of secular governments. We have seen programs like, "Love Singapore / Sydney etc. etc." In Malaysia, the national churches have had a "Forty day fast and prayer" for the nation for a number of years. It was interesting to note the churches lately announcing that there is going be a "Run for the Nation" soon!

In spite of all the adverse situations that the local Christians have to undergo today, about which everyone complains about, there is so much to thank God for His sovereign intervention in the affairs of our land. Our nation is a 'declared' Muslim State. Yet there is much freedom of worship and liberty to hold even large Christian gatherings in the biggest public stadium in the land for worship and the declaration of the gospel. There is hardly any reaction from the government or authorities or even the Muslim public! This is happening while in our neighbouring Muslim nations and especially in the Arab world one cannot even take in a personal Bible, let alone hold Christian services even in private homes!

In spite of all this, it a great pity that the Christians of this nation, even the leaders, often speak evil and ill of the government and those in authority over them, whenever they meet! The hatred they spew out is beyond comprehension! The tales they carry are numerous and many of them are unauthenticated. It makes a thinking Christian wonder, didn't our master teach, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?" (Mt 5.44-46).

There seems to be a great degree of inconsistency in what we as Christian citizens of this country do and say! The seriousness of the question the apostle James asked the believers should warn us against continuing the spread of evil against our rulers, ".. the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be" (Ja 3.8-11).

Dear believer, listen to the apostle Paul's words of apology as he unknowingly made a caustic remark to the High Priest, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people." Shouldn't this cause the bad-mouthing of our leaders to stop? You should take heed to what the apostle urges you to do, 'First of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority ". Prayer changes MEN!

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, let me lift up holy hands and with my mouth pray and intercede for those whom You have placed in authority over me that they may be just, righteous and fair. Amen.