ODJ: pray to God for Caesar
July 4, 2011
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity (v.2).
READ: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
The Roman emperors demanded that their citizens demonstrate allegiance by kneeling before their image, pinching a bit of incense, and declaring, “Caesar is Lord.” Tertullian, a writer in the early church, would have none of it. He told the emperor that Christians would not pray to him as if he were a god but instead would pray to God for him. In so doing, the Christians were Caesar’s most loyal supporters, for they sought his prosperity from the only God who could give it.
Tertullian dared Caesar to continue his persecution of Christians. “With our hands thus stretched out and up to God,” he wrote, “rend us with your iron claws, hang us up on crosses, wrap us in flames, take our heads from us with the sword, let loose the wild beasts on us—the very attitude of a Christian praying is one of preparation for all punishment.” Hmm. How can you kill someone who is praying for you?
What might happen if Christians followed Tertullian’s example and Paul’s command to “pray . . . for kings and all who are in authority”? What if we asked God to grant wisdom and courage to all of our leaders—not just the ones who share our values? Our fellow citizens might not agree with our politics, but they would have to concede that we want our nation—not just the leaders we agree with—to succeed.
It’s easy to become cynical about the corruption and incompetence in government. But rather than complain, let’s trust God and pray for our leaders!
Your country’s situation may seem hopeless. Your leaders may not believe in Jesus, and they may get a lot wrong. Follow the command God gave to Jews living in pagan Babylon: “Work for the peace and prosperity of the city . . . . Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (Jer. 29:7). —Mike Wittmer
Write down the name of a leader whose character or values you greatly dislike. Pray for that person now and every day this week. Why is this important?
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