Two Words to Consider

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (I Timothy 2:1-6 NIV)

Today marks the transition of power in the United States. President Barak Obama goes from president to former president, and Donald Trump goes from President-Elect to President Trump.  As all American inaugurations have been to date, this transfer of power will proceed peaceably. But though the transfer will be peaceful, not everyone is pleased.  And it’s always been that way.  In modern times, all of our presidents have been loved by some and hated by others, with the majorities always somewhere in between.  

So while to many this particular transfer of power is very different, the fact there is strong disagreement about the soon-to-be leader of our country is nothing new.  And another thing that is not new is the command for followers of Jesus to pray for those in authority over us regardless of whether we deem them legitimate, competent, or on the “right side” of the issues dear to us.

There are two words in this passage talking about praying for those in authority that stand out to me: “urge” and “all.”   Urge is a word that is used to convey implementing an action that neither comes naturally or appears rational.  The context in which Paul uses it drives home this point.  The Roman rulers of his day were not known for their compassion, kindness, or fairness.  They were often ruthless, particularly toward Christians.  Timothy and his congregants had no doubt suffered under this oppressive authority and would not be naturally inclined to offer up prayers, particularly those of thanksgiving on their behalf.  So he urged them to do it.

The second word is “all.”  This is a word that is completely inclusive. It makes no distinction based on character, beliefs, race, ethnicity, or actions.  No one is left out.  So, in the extreme, if you hated Obama as president, you should have still been praying for him.  And if you absolutely despise Donald Trump, yep, you still are to be praying for him over the next four years.  

And if this idea sets you teeth on edge, here is what you need to understand.  Jesus died for ALL men and women who have ever lived or will live. This includes the most notorious leaders, dictators, and strongmen, despots that you can think of.  It is easy to think that somehow they fall outside the mercy of God and, thus, we are better than them.  But the truth is we are ALL sinners (Romans 3:23) and Jesus sacrificed Himself for each of us.  To believe that some are beneath praying for is to deny the fact we as humans are all equal in our unworthiness of God’s grace.  But this is our tendency and so we must be URGED to pray.  

And so today that is what we should be doing for our new president and all of those who will be leading our country, no matter how you perceive them, or what good or bad decisions may follow during their terms. What Paul understood, and so should we, is that God is sovereign and in control.  His will will be done regardless of who is in authority over us. I know this may not seem or feel right to you, but I urge you to accept it as the truth of the Lord and act accordingly.

© Jim Musser 2017