The Bible is clear that civil governments are ordained from God. Romans 13:1-7, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Whilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good, But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom fear to whom fear honour to whom honour.”
We also know that God rules in the kingdoms of men. “This matter is by decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17). Again, “That they shall drive thee from me, and thy dwelling shall be with the beast of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:25, read). Two more times within this chapter Daniel states that God rules in the kingdoms of men.
When Paul was instructing Timothy for whom to pray we find these words, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of things, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quite and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Notice what Peter wrote to the brethren that were scattered, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17). It is interesting that these men (both Paul and Peter) were guided by the Holy Ghost into all truth (John 16:13) and they are telling Christians to pray for kings and those in authority. These men that were serving in that capacity were men that were not the best of men in character. History reveals what kind of men they were but God said to pray for them and also tells us that we should pray for them so that we can live a quite and peaceable life.
If we, members of the church of Christ, do not start taking a lead in praying for our country and our leaders what can we expect? The Bible tells us to pray for them. We need to not only pray for the leaders that are in office now, but we need to pray for the ones that are about to be elected. While praying we need to inform ourselves as to each candidate platform. We need to know what he believes and what he will vote for when he gets into office. Let us pray and let us get out and vote!
Love, Keith
