PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

DAY 138

Reference text : Act 18:1-3

One thing we often forget is that even though the Christian operates by different principles, laws and precepts that are not earth-borne, living in any territory makes the laws of the land binding in our lives. As long as we are domicile in any place therefore, we have very little challenge to mount up against many of the laws of the territory because a multitude of them exist to preserve our interests.

That means that there are also many that could be oppressive. Actually, some laws of men can become impediments to the agenda of God across territories. The plot in Babylon during the time of Daniel should be a glaring example where a royal decree  banned prayer for a period of time. When Daniel resisted, he had to contend with roaring lions as a consequence.

A parallel to Daniel’s story is read today when Aquila and Priscilla had to depart Rome because Claudius had decreed that all Jews left Rome. Why this background? Christians tend to abhor politics and wielding power often because of their own reputation. However, it takes such levels of influence to enact laws that are binding territorially.

While only some are called into political leadership however, all are called to the place of prayer. Let us continue then to pray for those who wield power and influence with Paul’s letter to Timothy as a guide: ‘ 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(1 Tim 2 :1-2).

Godly leaders must arise, else we will have to contend with much resistance to God’s agenda.

#sly