“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2 For kings, and for all that are in authority;that we may lead a quiet and peaceabe life in all godliness and honesty.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved,and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”(1st Timothy 2:1-4)
In the next hour, I will arrive New York, where I will attend the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly — an annual event where World leaders gather to champion causes and ratify decisions that affect millions of people.
Regardless of the creed or political affiliation of these leaders, they are in positions of authority because God predestined it… For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1). Otherwise stated…For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (RSV).
Paul, in 1st Timothy Chapter 2 Verse 1, begins his letter, saying “I exhort therefore, that, first of all,” meaning “I urge that these things be so.” What things?
Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks; which are different forms of prayers — be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority.
When should these things be done? “Pronton” or “First” (at once, quickly, immediately). Remember as a student, when teachers would give assignments, some would be for us to take home, and some they would say to be done pronto (at once, without delay, immediately).
Paul affirms, Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks; be made — “before anything else” — for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority.”
This indicates that we ought to pray for others, particularly the leaders of our nation before we pray for ourselves. You see, things turn out right when we follow directions.
Paul avers, FIRST… meaning “Before all others with respect to time, order, rank, or importance.”
Beloved let us put first thing first. Often, we let secondary things prevail, and disregard things that should be first.
Yet we blame God for our disappointments. We wonder why certain things don’t turn out right when we are not putting first things first. When it comes to prayers a lot of believers have a ‘me, mine and I’ attitude. We put ourselves first, but this is a departure from scriptures.
2nd Timothy 3:16 declares, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, which means the word in 1st Timothy 2:1-4 are God’s word.Paul, said, before we pray for ourselves and our family, we should pray, For kings and for all that are in Authority, meaning we are to pray for our government.
You see, when Paul wrote this letter, nations were ruled by Kings, and Kings are equivalent to presidents. In today`s English, this phrase, For kings and for all that are in Authority would read: For Presidents and for all those in Authority” (vice presidents, senators, members of the National and State Assembly, governors, local government chairmen and councillors).
Paul avers, pray for those who are in authority, so we believers may live a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty. God cares about us and will move even though those in authority who may not be believers. He will answer our prayers and do things for us that we “…may lead a quiet and peaceable life.”
Notice what Paul said in verse three, For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. This is the ultimate purpose of praying for our leaders. It is pleasing to God. Thus, if believers want to please God, we must give priority to praying for those in authority.
And verse four, Paul said, Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. God’s ultimate goal in having us pray for those in authority is that we will be able to propagate the gospel. If we don`t have a government where there is “peace and quietness,” it obstructs the propagation of the gospel. In time of political commotion, we are hindered in propagating the gospel. In time of war, we are hindered in propagating the gospel, because we have to navigate restrictions and other limitations.
So let’s begin to pray for our leaders. It is for our benefit…
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe
